Govt to take practical steps to resolve journalists' issues: Firdous Ashiq Awan

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan here on Wednesday said that the government considered media as an important partner in protection of national interest, solidarity and development of the country.

Talking to a delegation of National Press Club in Islamabad, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that she was aware of the problems being faced by the journalists and assured that the government would take practical steps to resolve their issues.

She said, “All possible measures would be taken for the welfare and protection of rights for journalists.” Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said, “Strong democracy is key to free media and free media is imperative for strong democracy. Government believes in fundamental right of freedom of expression.”

She termed media an important pillar of the state and assured the delegation that they would take every possible step to further strengthen media in the country.

Earlier, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on April 22, had said the government would assist media in overcoming the financial challenges and crises it was facing.

“The government recognises the fourth pillar status of media and its key role in strengthening the democracy,” Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan had said while addressing media in Lahore.

The minister had said that she had come to Punjab with a message of the PM to reduce communication gap between the government and media.

The special assistant to prime minister had said the provincial information department had been directed to clear the pending bills of media organisations.