ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Thursday said that Pakistan is a modern democratic state where judiciary was independent, civil society highly vibrant and media pro-actively playing its role of watchdog.
He said this in a meeting with Swedish Ambassador of Human Rights Annika Ben David and Swedish Ambassador Ms Ingrid Johansson who had called on him in the federal capital.
He said that the current dispensation believed in freedom of expression and highly valued human rights as enshrined in the constitution of Pakistan. He said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Sweden as they were based on commonality of views and shared interests of democratic pluralism.
The information minister said that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan had always referred Scandinavia as a model in regards to the establishment of a welfare state, therefore we would like to learn from the Scandinavian system of governance, particularly in the areas of local government.
He said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) was the only political party which vigorously raised its voice on the important subject of the environment. He said that the PM’s initiative Clean and Green Pakistan was aimed at the provision of clean drinking water, clean environment and proper sanitation.
Fawad said that northern areas of Pakistan are the epitome of natural beauty and has eight of the ten top mountain peaks of the world. He invited Swedish filmmakers to shoot the scenic beauty of the area.
He said that the media enjoys unprecedented freedom in Pakistan and the government would continue to support the growth of free and independent media. The security situation in the country has also improved due to the Pakistan Army’s operation in troubled areas.
“Due to the improved security situation, the people including media persons feel more secure and business and investment environment has also gained momentum. The Right to Information Act has been implemented and the whistleblower act is being formulated as the government believes in openness and transparency in affairs of the governance,” he added.
Ambassador Annika Ben David said that Sweden highly regards the values of democracy and human rights and would like to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in these areas.
She said that Sweden is keen to further strengthen its trade ties with Pakistan and promote business contacts between the two countries. She also appreciated the increased participation of women in various fields and said that gender equality is a thing that benefits the whole society.
She concluded by congratulating the minister on assuming his office and extended her best wishes for all his future endeavours.