KARACHI: The government is fully committed to ensuring press freedom and is aware of the problems faced by journalists. And, steps are being taken to safeguard the rights of the journalists.
These views were expressed by President Mamnoon Hussain expressed these views, while addressing the Karachi Press Club (KPC) office-bearers and senior journalists, at the Governor House on Saturday.
Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair and Punjab Information Minister Mujtaba Shuja- ur- Rehman were also present at the occasion.
The president handed over a cheque of Rs 25 million, financial assistance, on Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s behalf.
The president, while acknowledging a strong representation of the Punjab government there, said that he appreciated the gesture made by the Punjab chief minister for renewing the old ties between him and KPC.
He expressed the hope that such good actions would continue in future also.
He said the occasion also proved that the state fully believed in freedom of the press and facilitating the working journalists and media practitioners to perform their duties with the best of their abilities and peace of mind for disseminating the required information among the masses.
The president also lauded the KPC for maintaining its democratic traditions since its inception decades ago as it had been holding its elections regularly to ensure that its affairs were run by the elected representatives of the KPC’s council members.
He also praised the role as well as the contributions of the KPC towards furthering the cause of democracy and democratic values in the society.
President Mamnoon said it augured well that democracy was taking roots in the country and the institutions were contributing their bit towards strengthening democracy.
“We have to ensure democratic values so as to speed up the pace of national development and progress,” he concluded.
