ISLAMABAD: A delegation of All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) led by its Acting President Mehtab Khan on Tuesday called on Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan and discussed matters related to print media industry.

On the occasion, the minister handed over a cheque for Rs25 million to the Acting President of APNS for construction of APNS House in Karachi. Talking to the APNS delegation, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the democratic government believes in freedom of expression, as it is an essential characteristic of democracy.

Dr Firdous said the government was taking all measures to ensure that media may work in a free environment. The APNS delegation appreciated the role of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in facilitation of media in the country. The delegation also offered Fateha for the soul of Begum Nusrat Bhutto and lauded her meritorious services for restoration of democracy.

Meanwhile talking to a delegation of senior officials of Voice of America (VOA), which called on her here Tuesday Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said strength and stability of national institutions lies in continuity of democracy and present elected government is doing its best to promote democratic values in the country.

The delegation comprised Director International Broadcasting Bureau VoA, David Ensor and Director Liaison IBB VOA Gary Thatcher. She said democracy is a form of government in which everyone has a share and it goes to the credit of the PPP government that it has promoted a culture of tolerance and respecting each other’s views.

The minister said that today media is free in Pakistan as it is imperative for promotion of democracy. She said “We must focus on exploring avenues of cooperation in the field of media” and proposed that VOA and Pakistani media may look into possibility of holding training for Pakistani journalists. The VOA delegation agreed to provide necessary training to Pakistani journalists to equip them with modern professional skills.
Source: The News
Date:11/2/2011