Workers and journalists of Daily Nawa-i-Waqt have been protesting for their pending salaries and dues for the last few years but in vain.
A few senior workers of the media house have died waiting for their long-standing dues.
Rameeza Nizami , the editor of the newspaper has not bothered to take notice of the protests despite court orders to pay pending salaries and other dues of the employees. Lack of revenue cannot be a justification for delay in payment as the Daily Nawa-i-Waqt is getting enough revenue from advertisements. Today’s issue of Nawa-i-Waqt carried an half-page ad on its front page. This is a proof that the group has no shortage of funds but lack of will to pay dues of poor workers, who had spent all their life serving the paper.
In July, the workers of Daily Nawa-i-Waqt had launched a nationwide movement to raise voice against forced layoffs, non-payment of salaries, and other financial issues.
According to a tweet by Sajjad Haider, convener of the “Nawa-i-Waqt Bachao Movement” and President of All Pakistan Photojournalists Association, a demonstration was held in front of the Press Information Department, Islamabad.
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A large number of journalists belonging to twin cities participated to show solidarity with Nawa-i-Waqt staff members. The protesters raised slogans against owner Rameeza Nizami.
Similarly, Faisalabad-based journalists led by senior photojournalist and vice president of All Pakistan Photojournalists Association, Muhammad Tahir organized a protest at the Faisalabad Press Club against layoffs and non-payment of salaries.
Similar protests were also held in other parts of the country.
According to Nawa-i-Waqt workers, the movement, aimed to ensure protection of rights of journalists, would be expanded throughout the country in the near future.