gilaniLAHORE: 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.
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said the present government had the credit for revoking black media laws as well as 'Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority Ordinance-2007'.
"The government also constituted a trilateral commission on the Wage Board Award; a fund for journalists martyred while performing their professional duties; plan to establish Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Media University; payment of newspapers outstanding bills; provision of funds to press clubs and encouraging institutions working to ensure freedom of the press," he added.
"Since our government came to power in 2008, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has been striving to create public awareness and a consensus at national level on all issues and challenges, instead of playing its role to regulate the media," Gilani said.
The Prime Minister announced formation of a committee to review the matter pertaining to formation of Regional Press Development Fund. Information Minister Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan will head the committee, consisting of APNS President Hameed Haroon, the chief organiser of the convention, Mumtaz Tahir and others.
He directed the Federal Secretary Information to take steps for early release of Rs 50 million in grant for construction of the APNS House.
Prime Minister Gilani also assured them of directions to relevant quarters to assess prospects of registering media workers with Employees Old Age Benefits Institution (EOBI).
The Prime Minister also directed the Press Information Department to ensure implementation of 25 percent advertisement quota of regional newspapers in letter and spirit
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