Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said the government is committed to the welfare and capacity building of journalists.

He was addressing the inauguration ceremony of the National Press Club's website in Islamabad today.

Attaullah Tarar said the National Press Club is an integral part of the Islamabad media fraternity and holds significant importance. He termed the launch of the club's website and its move towards digitalization a welcome initiative.

The Minister directed the relevant authorities to take immediate steps to establish a digital lab at the National Press Club.

He said the government is ensuring the timely payment of outstanding dues to television channels. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of media organizations to ensure the timely payment of journalists' salaries.

Attaullah Tarar further said immediate steps would be taken to introduce health cards for journalists to further strengthen their social welfare. He said the government is also considering measures to address journalists' housing issues, which will be resolved in consultation with the media community.

The Minister said digital content creation has become the need of the hour and the government will enhance journalists' professional capacity through short training courses.

He said the government is formulating a policy to address the financial challenges facing journalists and media organizations and to strengthen the country's media sector.

He said promoting the electronic and print media is a shared responsibility of both the government and journalists.