ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry Monday said Pakistan highly valued its ties with the European Union (EU) and all its member states.
Pakistan would continue to advance mutually reinforcing objectives of development, human rights and rule of law for its people as its relations with the EU were based on shared values of democracy and mutual respect. he said talking to EU Ambassador to Pakistan Jean-Francois Cautain, who called on him here.
The minister said the government believed in the fundamental right of freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan. Media enjoyed unprecedented freedom in the country and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government would continue to facilitate the growth of free and responsible media, he added.
Fawad said the Right of Access to Information Act (RTI), 2017 had been implemented through the constitution of information commission, which was indeed a historic step. Access to information was imperative to ensure fairness and transparency in matters of governance, he added.
He said the government was committed to implement its reforms agenda of “Naya Pakistan” to achieve the objectives of good governance; improved economy, health, education, agriculture and tourism; climate change, human rights, national security; and eliminating corruption.
The government accorded top priority to empower people at the grassroots level through local governments, he added.
The minister also underscored the need to enhance cooperation with the EU in the realm of film and culture. The government would like EU filmmakers to visit Pakistan and explore the scenic beauty of its world known tourist resorts, particularly in northern areas, he added.
The ambassador said the two sides enjoyed cordial economic relations and the EU would like to further reinforce the ties in areas mutually beneficial for the people of Pakistan and the European Union. He also appreciated the objectives of current PTI dispensation to curb corruption and advance socio-economic development by giving priority to the subjects like health, education and climate change.
