Terming reports regarding rapprochement with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) as mere kite-flying, the Federal Minister for Information, Shaikh Rashid Ahmad, while ruling out any possibility of return of Benazir Bhutto to Pakistan, said that the government had not given any positive signal in this regard.
While talking to newsmen here on Friday he said the government had provided Rs 1.0 billion to Pakistan Television (PTV) for the purchase of modern studio equipment in order to enable it to compete with the private channels.
The Ministry of Information had invited tenders for DTH (direct to home) equipment to cater from 50 to 300 channels.
In coming year, Pakistan would leave behind all the neighbouring countries in electronic media, he added.
Earlier the minister inaugurated the exhibition of PTV artists' pictures, which were displayed here at PTV centre in connection with PTV's 40-year celebrations.
He said the PTV's scheme of private production proved successful, while the private channels also showed satisfactory performance during last two years. After issuing licenses to cross media, the number of private channels would raise to 40 during next month, he added.
To a question, he said the government had already given positive signals as Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz met the opposition Leader Fazl-ur-Rehman in his chamber.
"Government wants to avoid politics of confrontation and in touch with all the political figures. However, some contacts with the politicians are open, while some are secret, and these contacts should continue to strengthen the democracy," he added.
As far as Asif Zardari's release on bail was concerned, he said it was not significant development, as courts were independent, he maintained.
Talking about MMA's agitation movement, Rashid said that such moves would not only adversely effect the flow of investment in the country, apart from causing loss to MMA.
To another question, he replied that the year 2005 would be the elections year but of local bodies only, while the present assemblies would complete its tenure. About signing of bill of dual office, he said the President had no hurry to sign the bill.
About the permission to Indian channels, he said all the Indian delegates coming to Pakistan demanded official permission for these channels.
"I am aware of the fact that some cable operators are operating Indian channels without any formal permission", he said.
When asked about present status of Pak-India relations the minister said Pakistan had already shown flexibility for resolution of Kashmir issue, therefore India must also respond in similar manner. Despite pressure, the present government prudently get rid of critical situation and gave message to the world that Pakistan wanted peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue, he added.
Without resolving the Kashmir issue, there would be no use of people-to-people contacts, he maintained.
About the National Security Council (NSC) he reiterated that it came into existence through Act of Parliament, which was also signed by the opposition parties therefore, it was no more an issue.
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