Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said Monday the government will not pass unilateral legislation regarding the establishment of the Digital Media Authority without taking the journalist community into confidence, according to Radio Pakistan.

During a meeting with a delegation of the National Press Club Islamabad, he said all journalist organisations and press clubs would be consulted on the issue.

JAC concerned at Punjab defamation bill, digital media authority

The Information Minister said a health insurance scheme for journalists will soon be started.

He said necessary steps will be taken for the construction of the permanent building of the National Press Club and the improvement of the existing one.

He ensured the provision of annual grants for the National Press Club.

The Press Club delegation apprised the Information Minister about the problems faced by the journalist community.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) earlier expressed serious concern over the proposed Punjab Defamation Bill 2024 and the proposed Federal Government “Digital Media Authority”.

According to the JAC statement, media organisations have not been against tightening regulations on digital media in the wake of stronger defamation laws.

It claimed, meanwhile, that the bill’s current form could endanger the fundamental right to free speech.