Govt to support free, responsible media: Marriyum

ISLAMABAD: The present democratic government of PML-N firmly believes in fundamental and constitutional right of freedom of expression and would continue to facilitate the growth of free and responsible media in the country.

Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Information Broadcasting, National History & Literary Heritage stated this while talking to the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) delegation which called on her here on Friday. Marriyum Aurangzeb said that independent media was sine quo non of democracy and the government acknowledged the role of media as watchdog of the society.

She said the government was making all possible efforts to create a congenial atmosphere for media persons so that they could perform their obligations in accordance with their professional ethos. Journalist safety and security bill is in the pipeline, which would prove instrumental to ensuring protection and safety of journalists, she added.

A broad spectrum of issues including wage board award, revision of advertisement rates, regional quota of advertisement, Automation of Audit Bureau of Circulation and outstanding dues came under discussion.

The delegation appreciated role of the ministry in facilitating the media industry.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Information & Broadcasting Division, Principal Information Officer Press Information Department, Director General Internal Publicity Wing, Umar Mujib Shami, Secretary General APNS, Dr. Tanvir A. Tahir, Executive Director APNS, Rameeza Majid Nizami, Member APNS, Mumtaz A. Tahir, member APNS, Khushnood Ali Khan, Member APNS Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami and Hameed Haroon.