LAHORE: A delegation of Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) led by its president, Arif Nizami, called on Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Wednesday. The overall situation in the country, political goings on and the problems faced by the newspaper industry came under discussion.
At the outset, the chief minister said that multifarious role of the media was very critical with regard to identification of problems as it was the fourth pillar of the state that also guided the government. “I believe that constructive criticism of the media, guides the government in different ways,” he added.
“We have identified our targets and are working hard to achieve them. Our approach is constructive and we are moving in the right direction,” said the chief minister, adding that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led government’s performance would differentiate it from previous governments.
CM Buzdar said that ample opportunities were available in Punjab to promote tourism and informed that the government would take full benefit of these opportunities. “We will promote tourism by developing beautiful places of southern Punjab. I shall spend two days in the Multan district every month along with the secretaries to resolve the problems of the people on,” he said.
He said that necessary steps would be taken for the payment of dues to newspapers against advertisements, adding that problems being faced by the newspaper industry would be resolved through consultations.
“We have planned to establish a media academy and for that purpose, your recommendations and proposals are needed,” he stated further.
The chief minister also said that the government intended to increase the number of arazi centers under the land records system. “Similarly, e-Khidmat centers will also be gradually expanded to every tehsil and district level to serve the masses. Along with it, the scope of the safe city authority will be expanded to the divisional level,” concluded the chief minister.
The CPNE delegation, at the occasion, congratulated Sardar Usman Buzdar on assuming the charge of Punjab chief minister and said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had made the right decision by appointing a straightforward person to the province’s top-slot.
Provincial Minister for Information Fayyazul Hasan Chohan, Aoun Chaudhary, Akram Chaudhary, information secretary, DGPR and others were also present during the meeting.
