Dr Firdous for more active media role in combating corona

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan Friday called on the media to play a more active role in educating the masses about the importance of precautionary measures, including social distancing, to defeat coronavirus challenge.

Speaking to journalists on the occasion of distribution of personal protection kits among media persons here at the National Press Club (NPC), Dr Firdous emphasised that protection of media persons from coronavirus was priority of the government. She said that her ministry had already approached the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for provision of personal protection kits to the media professionals, which would be handed over them through press clubs.

She said the government was mindful of the fact that coronavirus had added to the problems of media fraternity that was already facing financial crisis, adding that in view of this fact, the government was considering to give a relief package to media workers like other sectors. She noted that so far nine media persons had been affected by the virus.

Dr Firdous said as in-charge of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, she considers it her responsibility and duty to raise her voice for protection of the rights of media professionals at government forums. Dr Firdous maintained that in consultation with the provincial information ministers, the federal government had launched an application where the corona affected journalists could enlist them and the government would look after their medical requirements.

Dr Firdous emphasised that at this critical juncture, in addition to fighting the coronavirus, the second front the nation had to fight on was unemployment, hunger and poverty and pointed out that keeping in view the problems of daily wagers, workers and economic crunch, the federal cabinet had approved an ordinance giving legal effect to the incentive package for the construction industry.

Under the ordinance, she noted a fixed tax regime was being introduced for builders and developers. She said there will be no withholding tax on the construction material except cement and steel while as per the ordinance, tax has been reduced by 90 percent for low cost houses to be constructed under Naya Pakistan Housing Authority.