Addressing a function organised by Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) employees Union here, the minister said that PTV has played an important role in presenting the government's point of view before the masses which was worth appreciation, especially keeping in view the negative propaganda by a section of the media.
He said that when the PPP government came to power in 2008, the country was facing a multiple crisis and the economy was in shambles. "Despite all these difficulties the PPP has served the masses and in the coming elections it will once again return as victorious with the grace of Allah Almighty and the support of the people of Pakistan," he noted.
Kaira said that in 2008, many anti-worker laws were in practice which the PPP government abolished and made legislation to provide them their rights. Moreover, it regularised tens of thousands of contract employees in various public sector organisations including the PTV. The people's government also restored thousands of employees sacked in 1996-97 on political grounds, he said.
"It is a fact that the prices of petroleum products and edibles have increased in the international markets which has had an impact on the consumers, but Pakistan was the only country where the salaries of public sector employees increased by about 150 per cent in four years", said the minister. Kaira said that as the party of farmers, workers and labourers, the PPP would continue to take further steps for the welfare of these segments of society.
Referring to the PTV English channel, he said that it was a difficult task but only PTV could undertake such a task. About the PTV Sports Channel, he said that it was very successful and another feather in the cap of the PTV. Kaira said that job security was the right of all workers and directed the MD PTV to forward the case of all employees for regularisation who have completed their probation period. He announced that Christian employees of the PTV would be paid Christmas advance like Muslims were given Eid advance salaries. Referring to the case of about 108 contract employees who could not be regularised due to age or qualification, he said that their case file had been sent to the Prime Minister and he himself would plead their case there.