AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: Meeting the daunting challenges posed by the devastating floods on both socio-economic and human fronts is a huge undertaking and certainly beyond the capacity of any single nation.
This was stated by Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting while speaking at a reception which was attended by a large gathering of Pakistani community members and media representatives at Mubarik Centre, Sharjah.
The Information Minister said that it was hallmark of the great nations that they face calamities with courage and fortitude and Pakistan’s history witnessed and people of Pakistan have proved that they are brave nation and are fully capable to come over all crises.
The relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the rain-hit people are no doubt such challenges, which require a joint international response since we need far more resources than we currently have. She called upon all expatriates and international community to come forward to support the flood relief efforts in Pakistan at this difficult time and contribute generously.
Talking about the internal and external threats facing Pakistan the Minister said that Pakistan faces external and internal security challenges, and a stable democratically elected government is necessary to deal with them.
“PPP’s reconciliatory policy has allowed it to be successful despite not having a simple majority in the National Assembly, and having four different political parties ruling the country’s four provinces,” she added.
She praised the role of Pakistan Journalists Forum and its members in the print and electronic media in the UAE. “Media has to play a more positive role. Media can be our best marketing tool because the perception of the world about Pakistan is different from the reality in Pakistan,” she said. The Federal Minister said that it is the responsibility of every Pakistani to work for building positive and soft image and represent Pakistan as a peace loving and tolerant Islamic state. She said that freedom of the press was essential for strengthening democracy in the country and the present government has extended unprecedented freedom to the press which was not given by any other government in the past. She urged the members of Journalist forum to come forward in the efforts of the government in the fight against terrorism and extremism. She said that Pakistan Journalist forum should remain above politics as involvement of Journalists in the politics was not in the interest of the country. Appreciating the role of the senior Journalists of the forum in building Pakistan’s image abroad, she advised them to remain more focused in protecting country’s interest and in projecting a positive image of Pakistan.
She said that PTV and Pakistani artistes will hold stage shows in various cities of the UAE to raise funds for the flood victims in the Sindh province.
The meeting was also addressed by Pakistan Consul General, Tariq Iqbal Soomro who highlighted the role of Pakistani journalists in the UAE and the efforts the consulate to facilitate the community in consular work.
Earlier, while speaking at a Hi-tea party the Minister urged upon the leading Pakistani businessmen to play their role in strengthen the economy of the country. She said that the present government has taken various steps for ensuring smooth and un interrupted business activity in the country.
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