Islamabad, Nov 1 (IANS) Pakistan is planning to provide health insurance for journalists as well as a protection fund for media personnel who die while performing their duty.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan Monday said the government was considering several options to provide health insurance to journalists, reported Associated Press of Pakistan.
She said several options were being considered in this regard – either the news organisation pays the seed money or the government provides the mandatory amount for ensuring the facility.
The government plans to set up Journalist Protection Fund. She said as per draft regulations, Rs.500,000 will be paid as compensation amount for a journalist who died while performing duty.
Awan also welcomed the Journalist Protection and Welfare Bill 2011, moved by 20 senators in the Senate, saying it would provide a legal cover to the rights of journalists’ community.
