–PM reiterates support for ‘free media’, asks info minister to ensure promotion of Pakistan’s positive image
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday reaffirmed confidence in Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry, dismissing rumours that the latter was at risk of losing his office.
In a meeting with Fawad at the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Imran extended full support to the Information Ministry. He said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was in favour of a ‘free’ media.
“Promoting a positive image of Pakistan is the need of the hour,” he stressed on the information minister.
The statement comes days after Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed claimed that Prime Minister Imran Khan had offered him Fawad Chaudhry’s ministry.
Chaudhry, who had returned from an official visit to the United Kingdom, later hit at Rasheed, saying only the prime minister could decide who is best-suited for the job. He also took to social media to respond to Rasheed’s remarks.
“I will be more than happy to vacate my position for Sheikh Rasheed sb and serve as a member of national assembly (MNA),” Chaudhry said in a tweet.
“We all use the powers of trust bestowed upon us by the people of Pakistan and the PM decides who is best fitted for a role. However, until I am a minister I won’t bow to such blackmailing tactics by the advertisement lobby.”
Hours later, Rasheed backtracked and only admitted the use of words “London picnic”, saying that he was only “joking” when he said that Fawad Chaudhry had been picnicking in London for the past eight days. “There is no chance I would replace Fawad Chaudhry,” he said.
