LAHORE - Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Perviaz Rashid said that the freedom of press is facing no threat as all three top slots including the President, Prime Minister and Army Chief acknowledge this freedom.
Addressing the Women Journalists Convention here Friday, he said no one should be worried about freedom of press after the big three are on the same page on keeping this pillar of the state up. No one is going to wrest this right from media men as this freedom belongs to everyone and not only journalists. He said in the absence of free media, the country faced hardships and now through this freedom, democracy is thriving and country has a robust defence.
The minister said the economic and overall situation in the country is improving and this fact is evident from the flow of foreign investments and constant consolidation of the local currency against dollar. He said first time in the national history, the reports of better conditions and improvement are pouring in and the country is on the road to progress.
Pervaiz Rashid said the petroleum prices have been slashed for the third consecutive time, and the international community trusts Pakistan and its economic policies. He mentioned about China and said, Beijing wanted to complete the infrastructure on fast-track so that it could invest $32billion in Pakistan. The Chinese engineers and experts have completed their survey work in this regard.
The Minister posed that if the people in China, London and other parts of the world are witnessing a better change in Pakistan, why the people in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and Peshawar do not see it. He also informed that textile exports have gone up by seven per cent, and federal revenue collection has recorded 15 per cent increase, while Nandipur power project is going to be opened this month.
The minister promised to address issue of the women journalists and told the gathering that the names for Wage Board Award (8th) and the ITNE Chairman have been sent to the prime minister who would announce them on his return from visit abroad.