LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that journalism and democracy are interlinked as media has always played a pivotal role in the promotion of democracy. He stated this during a meeting with the delegation of office-bearers of Lahore Press Club led by its newly-elected President Sarmad Bashir, here on Sunday. Special Assistant to CM Pervaiz Rashid and DGPR Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani were also present on the occasion. He said that journalism has been rightly described as fourth pillar of the state that pinpoints the problems of the people and provides guidance for their solution. The CM said with the increasing democratic and social role of journalism, government is making solid measures for the development of journalism and welfare of the journalists. The chief minister also announced an immediate grant of Rs15 lakh for Lahore Press Club. Shahbaz Sharif congratulating newly-elected office-bearers of Lahore Press Club on their glorious victory said that they should work with dedication and sincerity for the welfare of journalist community and perform their responsibilities efficiently. He said that development work in Journalist Colony Lahore will be completed on priority basis and directives have been issued to the concerned departments in this regard. Regarding new block in Journalist Colony on behalf of office-bearers of Press Club, he directed Special Assistant Pervaiz Rashid to visit the proposed site along with DG LDA and other officers and complete all the process at the earliest. The CM further said that special committee will be formed which besides reviewing the prices of plots should hold meeting regarding other development projects in the journalist colony and ensure solution of all matters including development work in the colony. He directed that except the plots about which stay orders have been issued, development work should be immediately started in the remaining parts of B-Block. On the demand of newly elected office-bearers, the Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs15 lakh for the Press Club and accepted their invitation to participate in the oath taking ceremony as a chief guest. Earlier, President Lahore Press Club Sarmad Bashir, Vice President Zia Tanoli, Secretary Zahid Abid and Treasurer Zulfiqar Ali informed the CM about the problems being faced by the club as well as in development work in the journalist colony. They said that development work in the journalist colony should be completed as soon as possible so that the media-men should immediately start construction of their houses. Other office-bearer of the Press Club who called on Shahbaz Sharif included Rana Ikram, Nasira Attiq, Ayaz Ch, Tariq Mahmood and Shahid Nazir.