ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday agreed in principle the demand for upward revision in the tariff (rates) of government advertisements in newspapers, besides announcing Rs 50 million grant for the construction of the office building of All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) in Karachi. He also announced the provision of a plot for APNS office in Islamabad, as well as resolving the issues pertaining to the outstanding dues and liabilities of government advertisement, with particular reference to the payments of departments and ministries devolved to provinces after the 18th Amendment. The announcements, hailed by the APNS President and all members of the Executive Committee as unprecedented, were made by the Prime Minister during his meeting with a delegation of the Executive Committee of APNS led by its President Hameed Haroon here at the PM House on Monday evening. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira, Secretary Information Taimur Azmat Usman and senior officials were also present in the meeting. The Prime Minister, responding to the proposals presented by APNS President Hameed Haroon for further strengthening the newspaper industry in the country, agreed in principle the revision in rates of public sector advertisements from July 1, 2011. The revised rates would be worked out by the Information Ministry in consultation with APNS, he added. Gilani said that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) would allot a plot for APNS at Zero Point, Islamabad. He also announced Rs 50 million grant to be disbursed in two instalments of Rs 25 million each, for the construction of APNS office building in Karachi. The Prime Minister said he would visit Karachi for laying the foundation stone of APNS building there. With regard to the dues and liabilities of the government advertisements pertaining to the ministries and divisions devolved to provinces after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the Prime Minister announced that the Federal Government would pay and clear such dues. He also agreed to the proposal that outstanding payments of government advertisement worth Rs 450 million would be cleared through the support of APNS, to ensure transparency. About the formation of press council, which would facilitate implementation of the code of conduct for print media, the Prime Minister said it would be announced within a month. Regarding the Freedom of Information Act, the Prime Minister said it would be finalised after reaching a consensus among the political forces in the Parliament. Responding to a question about the agenda proposed by PML-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif at a press conference last week, Prime Minister Gilani reiterated the Governments resolve to address the challenges faced by the country including poverty, energy crisis, terrorism and extremism etc. by following the policy of reconciliation and taking all political forces on board. Gilani said before talking to Mian Nawaz Sharif and giving a positive response to his agenda points, he talked to leaders of all political parties including ANP, PML-Q, PML-F, MQM, FATA and they were unanimous in addressing the challenges faced by the country. While responding to a question, the Prime Minister said that listening to the voice of the people and their representation in the Parliament was the strength of democracy. It was within the spirit of reconciliatory policy of the Government, he said, that all the political parties were taken on board on important national issues. This approach, he added, was adopted in the larger national interest. Earlier in his opening remarks, the Prime Minister said as a high-level body of newspaper owners and editors, APNS, has played an important and historic role for revival of democracy and freedom of press. The Prime Minister expressed the belief that APNS would continue to play its role in the larger national interests. He reiterated that the Government firmly believed in the freedom of Press and recognises its importance and status as the fourth pillar of the state. He pointed out that in the present economic, social and political environment, heavy responsibility lied on all institutions and the media should also play its critical role. The Prime Minister remarked that the country was passing through a critical juncture and it was demand of the time that the nation should make collective efforts to face the prevailing challenges. The biggest challenge facing the nation was the increasing tendencies of extremism and terrorism which should be curbed, he added. Gilani said that it was their collective obligation to make efforts against this menace and not highlight the ideology and activities of the extremists. To confront these challenges, our deep commitment and attention will prove helpful in enhancing dignity of Pakistan in the international community, he added. He drew attention of the media when it went through the process of informing and educating people, then at the same time it should protect rights and dignity of the citizens. The Prime Minister urged senior and experienced members of the journalist community to help prepare an acceptable code of conduct, which not only protected rights of a free media but also safeguarded all sections of the society. Both print and electronic media are expected that they will put in place an effective mechanism of self-accountability for promotion of peace and integrity in society, he added. He assured that Ministry of Information and Broadcasting would take suitable steps to resolve problems of media industry. The Prime Minister urged people to work together for creating a democratic, moderate and progressive Islamic country in line with the principles and objectives set by religion and culture. All the members of the APNS delegation highly applauded the announcements of the Prime Minister and hailed his political sagacity. Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira in his brief remarks on the occasion thanked the Prime Minister for accepting and giving due consideration to the APNS proposals. He sought the support of media in weaving the societal fibre, as the country was facing various challenges including extremism. He said the newspapers must verify any reports before publication, as baseless reports created problems for the country and society. APNS President Hameed Haroon spoke about the problems of media, particularly the problems faced by print media and suggested various proposals. He was appreciative of the Prime Ministers policy on the freedom of Press and media, and said no coercive measures had been taken against media for the last three years.