Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says PEMRA must play its role after concerns were raised over delayed salary increases and working conditions for media employees.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) must play its role in addressing issues concerning media workers, responding to concerns raised over stagnant salaries and working conditions at major newspapers and television channels.
Tarar made the remarks in a reply to a post by Mohsin Bilal on social media platform X, in which the latter urged the information minister to examine the financial and employment practices of major media organisations.
“PEMRA will also have to play its role in this matter. This cannot continue like this,” Tarar wrote in his response.
In his post, Bilal drew attention to media employees who, according to him, have not received salary increases for extended periods despite their organisations generating revenue through advertisements.
He specifically asked Tarar to look into the situation of workers at major newspapers and television channels, questioning how long their salaries had remained unchanged and highlighting the working conditions of drivers employed by media organisations.
Bilal also called for the publication of advertising data and the tax records of media organisations, arguing that transparency was necessary to examine whether companies were fulfilling their responsibilities towards employees.
Addressing the minister directly, Bilal said he had an opportunity to make a meaningful difference and urged him to use his position to bring about change.
“Allah has given you an opportunity. Make history. Such opportunities do not come again and again,” Bilal wrote.
Tarar’s response indicated that he considered PEMRA’s involvement necessary in addressing the concerns raised in the post. However, he did not specify what action the regulatory authority should take or announce any particular measures.
The exchange has brought renewed attention to questions surrounding employee welfare, salary structures and workplace conditions in Pakistan’s media industry.
The concerns raised by Bilal also highlighted the demand for greater transparency regarding advertising revenues and the financial responsibilities of media organisations towards their employees.
The discussion places the role of media regulators and the welfare of journalists and other media workers at the centre of the debate, with Tarar signalling that PEMRA should also contribute to addressing the matter.
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