Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid Tuesday said that independent media and freedom of expression were hallmark of a free and democratic society.
The minister, in his message on Press Freedom Day, said “independence of media and democracy go hand in hand and one cannot survive without the other.”
The people of Pakistan and media community, he added, had jointly waged a long struggle to achieve both the goals.
He said the present democratic government believed that ensuring a congenial and secure environment was essential for the exercise of free expression.
“We are working with the media organizations to facilitate growth and development of free press and media industry as it is imperative for a democratic polity.
“We believe that only an educated and informed citizenry can play a dynamic and constructive role in the development and progress of the country.”
He said the government welcomed critique by the media and acknowledged its role as watchdog of the society as it provided valuable inputs and feedback in formulating government policies.
