Government considers media an important instrument for strengthening democracy: Minister

Islamabad, April 08, 2014 (PPI-OT): The Government considers media as an important instrument for strengthening democracy. Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Minister for Information Broadcasting and National Heritage said this while meeting US media delegation under Pak-US journalist exchange programme who called on him and Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Prof Ahsan Iqbal today in Islamabad.

Senator Pervaiz Rashid told that it was for the first time in the history of Pakistan that a peaceful democratic transition took place which has subsequently culminated in the rise of a unique culture of political tolerance which was unprecedented in the past.

He said the Government believes in the spirit of national interest and consensus to deal with the menace of terrorism and extremism. Handing the issue of terrorism is the top priority of the Government and ongoing dialogue with the Taliban is yielding results in this regard, the Minister for Information asserted. He told that the violence and acts of terror are reduced to a great extent and Government will continue its efforts to establish peace in the country through dialogue.

It also goes to the credit of present Government that it has formulated the first internal national security policy to improve law and order conditions in the state. Responding to a question about the security of journalists, he said every crime against Media would be investigated, whether it is an attack on media house or killing of a journalist in the line of his/her duty.

Minister for PD and R Prof Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan will soon emerge as phenomena on map of Information Technology as young lot is working hard in this arena. He told that Pakistan had one of the best digitalization network which make us competitive in the international market.

He said Pakistan has invested heavily in the field of Higher Education and our potential youth will consolidate the foundations of IT industry in Pakistan. He told that the present Government has taken concrete steps to empower youth who would emerge as true leaders in the years to come.

Ahsan Iqbal said that no scandal has emerged in the present Government’s tenure and rather rupee has become stable, inflation has gone under control and conducive environment for investment is established by ensuring transparency and fairness in governance. He stressed that rule of law is prevailing, democracy gaining strength and politicians are maturing in their conduct.

For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +9251 925 2323 and +9251 925 2324
Fax: +9251 925 2325 and +9251 925 2326
Email: piopid@gmail.com