Information Minister Nisar Memon has urged media to play its role in overcoming the challenges thrown by terrorism and the general elections. He was talking to a delegation of Pakistan Broadcasters Association that called on him here Tuesday.
The Minister asked media to help create conducive atmosphere for holding elections in free, fair and transparent manner. Nisar Memon agreed that the electronic media was faced with an intense competition but it has to display responsibility to promote national interests.
He said Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro and the Election Commission are engaged in consultations with the political parties to take a decision as to when to hold the elections. He said the Election Commission has adopted a wise approach of consultations before making any announcement in this regard. He said whatever decision is taken by the Commission will be supported by the Government.
The Minister said the credit goes to President Pervez Musharraf for opening up of the media as a result of which 50 licences for private television channels and over 100 for radio stations has already been granted. He said proliferation of media has greatly contributed to introduction of technology, skills and job creation.
He expressed satisfaction that the country was coming out of the shock of the sad demise of the PPP leader Benazir Bhutto. He said she was a national leader of international stature and her death was a national loss. Nisar Memon appreciated the fact that the PPP overcome the leadership crisis in a smooth and prompt manner and decided to take part in the elections.