The PTI government under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan would continue its crusade against venality and would lead the country as a dignified nation in the comity of nations, Punjab Information Minister Fayyaz ul Hasan Chohan said on Wednesday. Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of 'Akhbar Faroosh Union' Lahore at Alhamra Hall, the Minister maintained that conspiracies were being hatched during the last 10 years against the country but all were foiled. "Pakistan came into being on 27th Ramazan and would stay and achieve progress and prosperity in time to come," he said.
Chohan said the biggest contribution of Imran Khan was that he saved the country from bankruptcy. It was Imran Khan who stabilized the economy and steered the country out of difficult economic situation.
"We have no liking or disliking with anyone and running all the affairs in accordance with the law and Constitution," he said. There was no room for those who were working on the agenda of foreign masters, he added.
He said the government had no hostile attitude towards anyone; either it was media or anybody else, adding the arrears of media industry were a decade-old issue. "It was Imran Khan who called a high-level meeting and asked all the concerned to clear the outstanding dues."
"We are positive with regard to newspapers industry and media," he said. "The PTI Punjab government is going to introduce new advertisement policy in which rights of newspapers workers would be ensured. There would be a check and balance if any newspaper would not clear salaries of workers."
He also hit hard against those in media who hired people ranging from Rs 2-8 million but sacking those who are getting Rs 10,000 salary. This should not happen, he said, adding the government was giving ads to media as per policy.
Without naming his political opponents, Chohan said they had a lot of respect for 'Akhbar Faroosh Union' and its members but would not be blackmailed by 'Zameer Faroosh Union.'
Other speakers urged the government to clear outstanding dues of media and also take pragmatic steps for stability of newspapers industry. Among others, Zia Shahid, Irshad Ahmed Arif, Kashif Naveed, Khawaja Kaleem and Mohsin Gorraya spoke on the occasion.
Zia Shahid demanded a safe place for 'Akhbar Faroosh Union' as the present building is in dilapidated condition.
Earlier, the Minister administered oath to the newly-elected office-bearers of 'Akhbar Faroosh Union' which was led by Chaudhry Nazir Ahmed who elected unopposed for 2018-19.
President of the Union Chaudhry Nazir Ahmed highlighted issues faced by newspapers hawkers. Mohammad Rafique Mughal and Muhammad Ilyas of the Union also spoke on the occasion.
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