CPNE-UNDP media training workshop continues for second day

PESHAWAR: The three-day media training workshop on decentralisation of powers to the federating units in the wake of 18th amendment, organised by the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) and UNDP, got underway here on Friday with Chief Minister Khyber Pakthunkhwa, Pervaiz Khattak in the chair, continued for the second day.
The event is being attended by members of the CPNE, senior editors, journalists and media professionals from all over the country.
The workshop was focused on appraising the people associated with the newspapers industry about devolution of power at grassroots level.
The CPNE is holding the first ever three-day media-training workshop in the province. The CPNE is the only representatives’ organisation of the editors of Pakistan newspapers that has been recognised by the sub organisation of the United Nations.
The KP chief minister in his inaugural address to the workshop called for making the system and institutions strong to ensure development. He said it is necessary that everyone gets fair treatment and justice.
He claimed that PTI govt has done away with political interference in all public organisations adding, “we have been mandated by the people for change.”
The chief minister also negated the criticism of performance of his government and said that lapse of development funds and non-starting of development projects have nothing to do with peoples’ mandate.
He explained that development funds lapsed this year’ could be utilised next year or be diverted to ongoing schemes. He said the government was bringing radical reforms in social and economic sectors, saying that 16000 new classrooms would be constructed while uniform curriculum would be started from this academic year.
No development can be achieved unless class system is done away with, he said, adding the day was not far off when people would again admit their sons in public schools. He said disciplinary proceeding was initiated against 4500 teachers for their alleged involvement in irregularities and misconduct.
On legislation side, the chief minister said his govt enacted 70-80 laws while the similar numbers were in the pipeline and ready to get the nod of the provincial legislature.
The chief minister hinted at one-step promotion to employees from grade-1 to 14 in next budget on which govt would bear Rs20 billion annually. He also referred to the reforms taken for improvement in health, education, police, environment and agriculture sectors.
Khattak impressed upon the owners of the newspapers industry to increase wages of their employees and working journalists and their perks and privileges.
The chief minister said the tension free environment in the newspapers industry would ensure healthy journalism.
Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani, KP Information Minister said the provincial govt has always welcomed positive criticism but criticism just for the sake of criticism should be avoided.
Mujeebur Rehman Shami, President CPNE said the workshop was organised with sole objective to create awareness among the journalists community about the trickle down impact of the 18th amendment to the people belonging to all segments of the society.
The decentralization of powers at grass root level was a good omen of strengthening democracy. Democracy was meant to serve poor segment of the society, he added.
Shami also urged the KP govt to ensure early release of the pending payments under advertisements head to the newspapers.
Dr Jabbar Khattak, Geneal Secretary CPNE, said that media and politician role was very important in creation of awareness among masses about the impact of 18th amendment.
He said CPNE would arrange similar workshops in Punjab and Balochistan after its successful holding in Sindh and KP.
Former Secretary Implementation Commission Ahmed Zahir Mehmood and UNDP Advisor Amjad Bhatti also addressed on the occasion. Later, extensive technical training session was held for education of journalists.