I am very pleased to know that the Pakistan Today after the successful launch of its editions from Karachi and Lahore has been able to publish its edition from Islamabad. I do congratulate the editorial staff, correspondents and workers attached with the newspaper for their hard work to launch this quality newspaper from Islamabad. It will certainly provide an opportunity for the residents of the city to have an access to reliable information and news about the country and international events.
The press is considered as the fourth pillar of the state and the free press is a fundamental ingredient for the progress and development of the society as a whole. It is the watchdog of the interests of the people. Our government believes in the freedom of the press. We consider freedom of press as freedom for the country itself.
As Minister for Information & Broadcasting, I assure the media that the present government will protect their independence and will provide a secure and level playing environment for the growth of journalism in Pakistan. We expect from the newspaper that it will play its due role in promoting tolerance, mutual coexistence, peace and prosperity in the country. I further hope that the newspaper will continue to observe objectivity and fairness in its news and editorial contents.
Firdous Ashiq Awan
Minister for Information & Broadcasting
