Rs6 million spent on refreshments for journalists
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 24 April 2015
Join our WhatsApp channel
In 2013, the Information Ministry in Pakistan allocated Rs6 million for journalist refreshments. The expenditure was primarily for food served at around 700 press conferences.Summary
ISLAMABAD: The Information Ministry spent over Rs6 million on refreshments for journalists in 2013.
Pakistan Today reported the ministry arranged 700 press conferences in 2013 and spent around Rs5.97 million on food and drinks that were served to journalists covering the events. Around Rs2.29 million were squandered on light refreshments served to journalists in form of samosas and pakoras. Some 30 press conferences are arranged every month by the ministry and almost Rs7,000 are spent on each journalist covering the event.
The paper says the ministry has not revealed identity of the journalists who cover its events on regular basis.
Quoting an official of the finance ministry, the paper said that under the rules, the information ministry could spend only Rs30 on refreshment and Rs1,200 on lunch and dinner meant for each journalist every month.
KEY POINTS:
- Rs6 million spent on refreshments for journalists in 2013.
- Around Rs5.97 million was spent on food and drinks during press conferences.
- Food expenditure included Rs2.29 million on light snacks like samosas.
- Monthly expenses amount to Rs7,000 per journalist covering events.
- Ministry's spending exceeds permitted limits for food and refreshments.
