ISLAMABAD: “The present democratic government of PML-N firmly believes in the fundamental and constitutional right of freedom of expression, and would continue to facilitate the growth of free and responsible media in the country,” said Information Broadcasting, National History & Literary Heritage State Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb while talking to the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) delegation.
Talking to the delegation on Friday in Islamabad, she said that independent media was the sine quo non of democracy and the government acknowledged media’s role as a watchdog of society.
She said that the government was making all possible efforts to create a congenial atmosphere for media persons so that they could perform their obligations in accordance with their professional ethos. “Journalist safety and a security bill are in the pipeline, which would prove instrumental in ensuring protection and safety of journalists,” she added.
A broad spectrum of issues including the wage board award, revision of advertisement rates, the regional quota of advertisement, automation of the Audit Bureau of Circulation and outstanding dues came under discussion.
The delegation appreciated the role of the ministry in facilitating the media industry.
The meeting was attended by secretary information and broadcasting division, principal information officer of the Press Information Department, director general of the Internal Publicity Wing, secretary general of the APNS, executive director of the APNS among others.
