BADIN: National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza, terming the media fourth pillar of the state, has urged it to show utmost caution while disseminating information to the general public.

The National Assembly speaker expressed these views while laying the foundation stone for the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto auditorium at the press club, here on Saturday evening. Dr Fehmida stressed the need of presenting ‘soft imageÂ’ of the country, saying whenever she went abroad she had found that Pakistan was invariably linked to terrorism.

She said the PPP always worked towards strengthening the media and encourage tolerance. She said the people of Pakistan have a lot of expectations with this democratically elected government and these would be fulfilled when the media would play a positive role and highlight efforts of the government in true spirit.

The speaker announced Rs1 million for the construction of the auditorium. She also handed over insurance documents to members of the press club and announced the government would pay five instalments of the insurance on behalf of the press club members.

Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Ali Mirza, on the occasion, said the PPP government believes in progress and prosperity. He said priority would be given to speedy development of backward areas.

He also announced Rs1 million for the construction of the auditorium from his ministry’s funds and Rs100,000 each on his and his friend Sardar Kamal Khan Chang’s behalf. He also announced Rs5 million from the Sindh chief minister’s fund for the Journalists Colony and ownership rights to the press club.

MPA Muhammad Nawaz Chandio and Bashir Ahmed Sarewal also announced Rs1 million each for the construction of the auditorium. Earlier, president and members of the press club presented Shaheed Benazir Bhutto award to Dr Fehmida Mirza.
Source: The News
Date:2/22/2010