PPP govt transformed media freedom into reality: Gilani

PPP govt transformed media freedom into reality: Gilani

LAHORE, April 30 (APP)- Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Saturday said that PPP-led government in its three-year track record has transformed media freedom into a reality instead of raising hollow slogans. He was addressing the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) Regional Press Convention-2011 at a local hotel, where Punjab Governor Sardar Latif Khan Khosa, Federal Information Minister Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, MNAs, MPAs, APNS President Hameed Haroon and other office-bearer, newspapers owners of national and vernacular press and veteran journalists were also present. Gilani hoped the media would play an effective role in creating national consensus on operation against terrorism and extremism and all challenges being faced by Pakistan. “I believe, the nation and press rise and fall together,” he said. He said the government had encouraged all initiatives of the media which gave a hope, courage and confidence to the people of Pakistan, besides promoting a self-regulation system for media organisations. The government, he said, had made amendments to various press laws to ensure a vibrant, free and an effective media. “I am proud that PPP is the only political party that always strived for the freedom of media and the vision and approach of great leaders Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had actually provided the basis for the freedom of expression the Pakistani media is enjoying today,” he maintained. The prime minister said that they had long been fighting for rights of the people, supremacy of the constitution and democracy under the able leadership of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, adding, now democracy in Pakistan had been revived and “We believe that a vibrant and strong media is inevitable to strengthen democracy and promote democratic values.” Gilani observed that like national newspapers, the vernacular press had equal importance which could not be ignored, citing that regional newspapers despite having meagre resources were playing a key role in the promotion of local talent as well as highlighting issues and problems at grassroots level. The government will use all available resources to resolve problems and difficulties of journalists and the media, he assured the APNS.