Next three to four months crucial for country: PM
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday underlined that next three to four months are crucial for the future and development of Pakistan.
“This is a year of elections stressing that entire world is keeping a close eye on Presidential Elections”, PM expressed these views while addressing the ceremony of laying down of foundation stone of National Press Club in PM Secretariat on Thursday.
PM said that the dream of National Press Club has finally reached its climax as it was need of the hour for an International standard Press Club in the country. He said that National Press Club is equipped with latest facilities so that Think-Tanks of the country can discuss their strategies in an exceptional atmosphere. He announced a grant of Rs 40 million for National Press Club so that work can begin immediately without wasting time.
He said we believe in Freedom of Press but Electronic Media must keep one thing in mind that is projecting true picture of facts.
He said that people must have a balance approach as Press is not meant to criticise however it is meant to demonstrate true stories based on facts. He said that today work of Journalists has become difficult due to Electronic Media, which is fast developing and progressing.
He was of the view that a good Journalist is one who knows his field adding that in this regard an International Standard Media University will also be set up. It will be a gift for the Journalists.
“Pakistan is a factory of Rumours but it is the duty of the Media to project truth”, he maintained. He further said that a Summary regarding free treatment of Journalists in Government Hospitals has been approved.
While throwing a light on current political scenario of the country, PM said that next three to four months are crucial for the country due to Presidential Elections that are likely to take place between September 15 to October 15. He said that PML and its allied parties have decided to contest the polls from one platform.
He said that President Musharraf would be a candidate of PML and its coalition partners for a second term in Office.
He further said that that Media must play its role for waking up masses so that they can use their right of Vote effectively.
He added that PML stands united stressing that it is a democratic party that allows everybody to have his or her opinion and express it. On the occasion, Federal Minister for Information Muhammad Ali Durrani said that Media is the fourth pillar of the State. He said that Capital was lacking a Press Club having International Standard but with the laying of foundation Stone of National Press Club, Government has once again shown its credibility that it respects Media and believes in total Freedom of Press. He termed NPC as a solid foundation for the Think-Tanks of the country to devise strategies.
He further said that NPC is not a building but a platform for the Journalists to project true image of country.
“We have fulfil our promises with the Journalists, however Government will not compromise on issues of public and national interest adding that Government are reviewing on various schemes including Life Insurance of Journalists”.