Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah has said that his government was determined for promoting and strengthening media in the region for development. He stated this while talking to the office bearers of newly formed Gilgit Baltistan journalists association (GBJA) led by its Chairman renowned journalists Akbar Hussain which called on him here on Saturday.
President of the association Karim Madad, Vice Chairman Rashid Arshad and its General Secretary Shafqat Hussain, Governing body member Rizwan Mirza, Vice President Alam Noor, Ali Sher, Joint Secretary, Manzoor Hussain Finance Secretary and other office bearers were also present on the occasion.
Syed Medhi Shah welcomed the delegation and appreciated the journalists of Rawalpindi and Islamabad for establishing a platform for the welfare of the journalists from Gilgit Baltistan. He assured the GBJA of his full support within available resources and work for welfare of the journalist community. He informed the delegation that information department has been upgraded and Rs 25 million have been allocated for providing equipments to the ministry including vehicles, computers in order to facilitate the journalists and disseminate information to the general public about the policies and development activities being under taken for the welfare of the people.
He added that the journalists of Gilgit Baltistan would be given training opportunities in other provinces. CM added that for capacity building of the journalists from Gilgit Baltistan, efforts would be made for their visits abroad. He also assured that soon he would also arrange a meeting the new Federal Minister for information and broadcasting after the formation of the cabinet adding that he would personally attend oath taking ceremony of the GBJA in Islamabad. Mehdi further added that his government has taken numerous steps for development of the area during his tenure for welfare of the people. CM urged the journalists form Gilgit Baltistan to play their role in promoting healthy journalism, protect rights of journalists of the region and its people and harmony among the communities.