US visit to help remove misconceptions: Saif

ISLAMABAD—Minister for Youth Affairs and Tourism Muhammad Ali Saif said his recent visit to USA was aimed at projecting soft image of the country and removing misconceptions prevalent there due to one sided information. Talking to APP Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said the visit was undertaken on the directives of President Musharraf in a bid to project government’s point of view regarding issues including Emergency, Supreme Court, and Swat situation.
Former MNA Ms. Kashmala Tariq and Chairman Pakistan Cricket Control Board Dr.Naseem Ashraf also accompanied him during the visit. The delegation highlighted factors involved in the prevailing circumstances before members of US house of Representatives, Congress and prominent Senators.
During visit, to a question raised by the official regarding restrictions on media, Muhammad Ali Saif responded saying these restrictions were just limited to some channels and print media was enjoying complete freedom. To avoid sensationalism he said a code of conduct for media was developed by a committee headed by Mir Jameel-ur-Rehman which was also approved by the government.
Those who agreed to follow that conduct were free to continue their service he said adding previously the media was not fulfilling its due responsibility by projecting the true picture. Regarding issue of disturbance in Swat and FATA areas it was cleared in the meeting held with the think tanks from Asian Society that Army operation was carried out for stabilizing the law and order situation in these areas.
Barrister told that the positive reactions were seen regarding taking off the uniform by the President.—APP