ISLAMABAD: Information Secretary Mansur Sohail on Thursday said the government was considering the proposal of the CPNE to set up the Media City in all important cities of the country.

Addressing a standing committee meeting of the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) here, he said the start of Media City was likely to begin from the federal capital. He said the government believes in complete media freedom and the media should also play a more responsible role in larger national interest.

He said there was complete media freedom in the country and in this regard suitable atmosphere had been provided so that media could flourish and perform its duties in a befitting manner.

He said today Pakistan was facing challenges of economy and terrorism and added the media had played a constructive role in highlighting these issues to educate the people. The secretary said the government was enjoying cordial relations with the media and hoped these would be strengthened in future as well as “we all are trying for a better future”.

“We may have complaints against some reporters or anchorpersons but our grievances can be addressed if they perform their duties keeping in mind their professional responsibilities,” he added.

He remarked that many issues could be resolved easily through continuous meetings and contacts between the Ministry and the CPNE. He said access to information was at the final stage as much progress had been made in this regard.

Regarding official advertisements, he said the government was trying to improve the system. The secretary said immediate and foolproof plan would be chalked out regarding security of newspapers offices and their staff mentioned by the CPNE during the meeting.
Source: The News
Date:12/11/2009