G-B govt to regulate media affairs

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has established a high-level committee to devise a comprehensive legal framework to regulate media affairs in the region.

The eight-member committee led by GB Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Syed Sohail Abbas also includes the special assistant to the CM on information, the secretaries of finance and information and media representatives.

According to a notification issued on Thursday, the committee will examine the legal framework of other provinces, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, to devise a comprehensive legal framework to regulate print, electronic and social/digital media in G-B.

The committee is tasked to suggest appropriate options for the welfare of journalists in line with the incentives being extended by provincial governments.

The committee will examine the existing capacity of structural, financial and capacity building of the journalists in GB and suggest a work plan for consideration with an inclusive approach for the betterment and uplift of the journalists.

The notification said that the committee would prepare comprehensive and viable proposals or course of action with recommendations on the basis of a comparative study and realistic approach to policy guidelines and regulations of the provinces and AJK.

“The committee shall furnish necessary input with definite recommendations to Chief Minister’s Office within two weeks to present before the GB cabinet in coming meeting for decision,” the notification added.

Separately, in a statement, the GB information department said that the legal and institutional framework for the protection of journalists and other media practitioners’ rights would pave the way for resolving their long-standing issues. Moreover, it said, effective policy-based measures will enhance freedom of expression and promote positive journalistic values.