APP dues.

Byline: Jalil Ahmad - Karachi

THIS is to draw the attention of Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz for the payment of dues amounting to Rs1,146,136 which the government-owned news agency, Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation, owes me.

Those who stand retired are the ones who nurtured the national news agency with their professional skills. But all their diligent work has remained unappreciated.

I served the APPC with dedication for nearly four decades through instability, wars and peace. Over these decades I rendered impeccable journalistic and academic services to the cause of journalism to uphold the APPC's banner of professional excellence high. On merit I held all journalistic positions, including its accredited special correspondent in New Delhi.

I am constrained to appeal to the federal minister for information and broadcasting to instruct the APPC management to pay off my outstanding dues of Rs1,146,136 on account of medical expenses and the restored commuted pension on a priority basis.

My medical dues of Rs387,684 piled up from August 2017 to Jan 31, 2020. Between July and December 2019, I was hospitalised thrice in two hospitals for treatment of ailments, including 'altered level of consciousness'. Hospitalisation charges came to Rs312, 232 which my...