ISLAMABAD: The Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb said the present democratic government of PML-N firmly believes in fundamental and constitutional right of freedom of expression and would continue to facilitate the growth of free and responsible media in the country.
She was talking to a delegation of All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) on Friday.
She said that an independent media is a part of democracy and the government acknowledges the role of media as a watchdog of society.
She said that the government was making all possible efforts to create a congenial atmosphere for media personnel so that they could perform their obligations in accordance with their professional ethos.
“Journalist safety and security bill is in the pipeline, which would prove instrumental in ensuring protection and safety of journalists,” she added.
The meeting also discussed several issues including wages, revision of advertisement rates, regional quota of advertisement, automation of Audit Bureau of Circulation and outstanding dues.
The delegation appreciated the role of the ministry in facilitating the media industry.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Information & Broadcasting Division, Principal Information Officer Press Information Department, Director General Internal Publicity Wing, Umar Mujib Shami, Secretary General APNS Dr Tanvir A Tahir, Executive Director APNS Rameeza Majid Nizami. Several other members of APNS, including, Mumtaz A Tahir, Khushnood Ali Khan, Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami and Hameed Haroon, were also present at the meeting.
