Pakistan is a moderate and forward-looking state and believes in welfare for all segments of the society within the parameters of social justice. This was stated by Minister of State Muhammad Ali Durrani while speaking at the dinner reception hosted by the cultural ministry for the delegates of South Asian Free Media Association (Safma) at a local hotel on Friday night.
Durrani maintained that the democratically elected government headed by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz believes in the freedom of press and freedom of expression.
"We in Pakistan, encourage healthy criticism of media, which would definitely go a long way in making the policies according to the aspirations of our people," he said.
He said countries of South Asia have extremely rich, vibrant and diverse culture having their roots in the world's oldest civilisations, found in these countries.
He said it is welcoming that Safma is pursuing democratic policy of accommodating every one and building broad-based consensus on important issues.