Business Recorder
LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Punjab, Azma Bokhari, has said that no newspaper in Punjab will be allowed to operate if it fails to pay salaries to its employees. She announced that media houses will undergo audits to determine outstanding dues owed to workers. Additionally, details of ABC-certified newspapers and the advertisements allocated to them will be made public to ensure transparency, she added. While addressing a seminar titled “Media Laws, Regulations and Ethics” at the Lahore Press Club, Azma Bokhari said “she considers herself part of the media and it is this connection that led to her being entrusted with the Information Department.” She added that the government is actively working for the restoration of dismissed journalists and the payment of their pending dues. She further shared that during the last 10 days of Ramadan, she personally made efforts to ensure journalists received their salaries, and now outstanding dues of media workers in Punjab are being cleared on a priority basis. The minister clarified that several dummy newspapers in Punjab have been shut down, while regional newspapers are being provided with advertisements. Expressing concern over the irresponsible use of social media, she remarked that the “razor of social media” has caused serious damage to the country. She emphasized that no nation can allow the spread of rumours and false information. She informed that the Chief Minister Punjab has directed the establishment of a cyber wing to curb abusive behaviour and the spread of fake news. Advising journalists, Azma Bokhari said that “if the media ensures self-accountability, there will be no need for government intervention.” She noted that nowadays anyone holding a camera claims to be a journalist, while no clear definition of journalism has yet been established. Referring to the PECA laws, she said that if any misuse occurs, the government intervenes immediately to resolve the matter; however, there will be no compromise on national security. She concluded by stating that long marches are not a solution to issues, and emphasized the need for dialogue to define clear boundaries. Reaffirming the government’s commitment, she said that unless faced with emergencies such as floods, the benefits of development projects will continue to reach the public. Moreover, Azma Bokhari said Pakistan’s constructive and effective role in facilitating the ceasefire between Iran and the United States stands as a major diplomatic success. “Alhamdulillah, today the world’s attention is focused on Pakistan,” she remarked. She further said that due to prudent political and diplomatic strategies, Pakistan is rapidly reclaiming its lost stature on the global stage. Azma Bokhari highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the professional capabilities of Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan has proven itself to be a strong and reliable pillar of peace, not only in the region but across the world. Expressing concern, she noted that a certain group on social media remains unhappy even with such national achievements. She stated that these elements consistently attempt to politicize and undermine every positive development, driven by negativity and hostility towards the country. She urged the public to recognize and reject the malicious agenda of such groups. Azma Bokhari added that there was a time when Pakistan was frequently associated with default risks; however, today, by the grace of Almighty Allah, the country is emerging as a responsible and dignified global power. The government is moving forward with stable economic and diplomatic policies, and such narrow-minded and negative elements cannot hinder Pakistan’s journey toward progress and prosperity, she said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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