Veteran journalist emphasizes principles and equal healthcare access while undergoing critical heart treatment
KARACHI: Veteran Pakistani journalist Imtiaz Alam, currently undergoing medical treatment for a serious heart condition, has declined financial assistance offered by the Punjab government, citing ethical concerns and lack of a uniform policy for journalists’ healthcare.
In a detailed statement, Alam confirmed receiving a cheque of Rs1.5 million from the Punjab Journalists Housing Foundation through the Ministry of Information on April 16. However, he expressed discomfort in accepting the amount, questioning the criteria under which such financial support was granted. He asked whether a dedicated healthcare fund or health card exists for journalists and, if not, how he qualifies for such assistance.
Alam stressed that principles outweigh individuals, urging broader reflection within the journalistic community. He noted that journalists often face criticism driven by political motives, despite having no personal interests in such matters.
Meanwhile, he acknowledged and accepted medical assistance from the Sindh government. Alam explained that the specialized cardiac device he requires, CRT-D, was not available locally. Following his appeal, the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) arranged to import the device and dispatched two specialist doctors to Lahore for his examination.
He expressed gratitude to Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Nasir Shah, and Information Minister Sharjeel Memon for their prompt response and commitment to equitable healthcare through NICVD, which provides free treatment without discrimination.
Alam also thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and senior political figure Pervaiz Rashid for their personal concern but maintained that, in the absence of a transparent and equal policy, he could not ethically accept taxpayer-funded aid. He has left the decision regarding the cheque to senior journalists Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, Nasir Zaidi, and Nusrat Javed.
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