Press Foundation ‘for welfare of journalists’

Chairman says its perks admitted only to full-time media-persons

MUZAFFARABAD: Press Foundation Chairman Justice Sadaqat Hussain Raja has said only full time journalists working with recognised media outlets would be allowed to avail the perks from the Press Foundation.
He expressed these views during his visit to the newly established office of the Press Foundation here on Thursday.

Expressing his assurance over the working of the foundation in service to provide a healthy and safe working environment to journalists, Sadaqat disclosed “endowment fund of the foundation is being invested under a well- devised strategy for earning more income to be spent on the welfare of journalists and their families.”

While acknowledging the performance of the Press Information Department (PID) Director General and Press Foundation Secretary Raja Azhar Iqbal, he said the Press Foundation institution has significantly strengthened under his dynamic leadership.

On the occasion Sadaqat directed the official concerned to provide accreditation to all the members of the foundation and finalise committees of the foundation at the earliest.

Earlier on his arrival Press Foundation Chairman was warmly received by Director General of Public Relations Raja Azhar Iqbal, Vice Chairman of PF Sardar Zulfiqar Ali, Assistant Secretary of Press Foundation Syed Basharat Hussain and Zia-ur-Rehman.

It is pertinent to note that Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Press Foundation has been functioning since 2004 under an Act passed by State Legislative Assembly. A serving judge nominated by Chief Justice of AJK High Court on the request of the government supervises the functioning of the journalists’ body.