Federal Information Minister Dr Firdous Aashiq Awan on Saturday urged the US media to help present an accurate and balanced image of Pakistan by highlighting its difficulties and concerns. She was talking to a delegation of American journalists. Firdous said that the US media enjoyed unprecedented outreach and influence across the world and it should portray a positive image of the country. The minister desired persistent media exchange programmes between the two countries, adding that such exchanges helped to provide an opportunity to learn from each others expertise. She said that Pakistan was a democratic, progressive country and there was no bar on freedom of expression. Firdous said that Pakistan highly valued it relations with the US but the relationship would be redefined on new terms of engagement after getting endorsement of parliament. The delegation appreciated the PPP government’s role in granting media freedom.
