A delegation of the Crime Reporters Association called on Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi at the Governor House, where detailed discussions were held regarding the issues particularly being faced by crime reporters.
The delegation was led by President Sameer Qureshi, while Vice President Ubaid Shah highlighted various concerns and presented the demands of journalists during the meeting.
Shah informed the governor that forced terminations of journalists by media houses, non-payment of salaries and withholding of outstanding dues have become serious concerns for journalists.
He further pointed out that the Pemra Council of Complaints in Sindh is currently inactive and should be made functional immediately, enabling journalists from Karachi and across Sindh to seek resolution of their issues at the local level instead of having to approach Islamabad.
In response, the governor assured the delegation that he would coordinate with Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) officials and the Ministry of Information to facilitate the establishment and activation of the complaints council in Sindh.
Shah also briefed the governor on the prime minister’s health insurance programme for journalists, saying that crime reporters work on limited salaries and often face significant difficulties in managing healthcare expenses.
He requested that crime reporters be given priority in the upcoming health programme of the new financial year and be issued with health insurance cards on a preferential basis.
The governor agreed with the proposal and assured the delegation that he would raise the matter with the federal government to help ensure health insurance facilities for crime reporters.
Furthermore, the meeting also discussed creating employment opportunities for unemployed journalists and crime reporters through social media platforms such as YouTube channels, podcasts and other digital initiatives by providing them with essential gadgets and technical support.
On this, the governor said that all possible measures would be taken to facilitate such journalists so that they can generate independent sources of income.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Governor Hashmi expressed concern over the increasing incidents of street crime in the city, and acknowledged the important role of crime reporters, describing them as frontline contributors who keep the public informed through timely reporting on crimes, accidents and major incidents.
