Shehbaz Sharif demands interest-free loans for media industry

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Shehbaz Sharif has demanded the federal government to give interest-free loans to the media industry.

Talking to media today he said “Media is the fourth pillar of the state and like other industries, media should also be given interest-free loans to pay salaries to their employees”.

Shehbaz Sharif also urged the government to clear the outstanding dues of the media. He further said Pakistani media has been playing a crucial role in the fight against COVID-19 and spreading awareness among the people.

The Opposition Leader said owing to the economic sprawl for the last 18 months, several media houses have been closed, adding that many employees have lost their jobs and reporters, workers are worried about their future.

Shehbaz Sharif said no country in the world can become strong without free and independent media as its constructive criticism offer the country direction to improve the governance and deliver, he added.

The government should announce an economic package for Pakistan’s media industry immediately, he demanded.

He said Media empowerment imperative for strong democracy, adding that  “To save the media is just like saving the constitution”, he stressed.