Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb Friday said that legislative process for the security and safety of journalists is underway and a bill to this effect will be tabled in Parliament early next year after consultation with CPNE and other stakeholders.
Talking to the office-bearers and members of the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) at CPNE head-office here, she underlined the need for joint efforts for a democratic and stable Pakistan. CPNE President Zia Shahid, Secretary General Ijaz-ul-Haq and other office-bearers and members were present in the meeting.
She said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) government believes in media freedom, but journalism with responsibility is the need of the hour. The minister said print media has played an important role for democracy and democratic norms. Marriyum Aurangzeb informed that the Academy of Information Ministry is being activated for offering training to journalists at the government level. The first model for the training of journalists was under preparation, she added. She said that the government wants to strengthen institutions, adding that the role of media is vital in the development of a civilised society. The minister stressed that editorial committees need to be activated in the electronic media. She also said strengthening of press clubs across the country is among the government's priorities.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the operation launched by the present government against terrorism in the country, and the action to restore law and order in Karachi city, have produced positive results. The minister said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's government is taking practical steps for the development and prosperity of the country.
She said that Nawaz Sharif rid the country of terrorism, built motorways, initiated energy projects, and launched public transport projects, Pakistan's first health insurance programme, and educational reforms programme. She emphasised that Pakistan needs Nawaz Sharif today.
About the development activities, she pointed out that work at the motorway from Karachi to Hyderabad has been started, adding that the phases of Hyderabad to Sukkur and Sukkur to Multan motorway would also be completed in the present government's tenure. The CPNE members praised Marriyum Aurangzeb over her priorities for the media, especially print media. The minister said constructive recommendations pertaining to media freedom and for addressing problems faced by journalists would be welcomed and such recommendations and suggestions would also be considered in policy making.