Minister, Secretary greet newly elected RIUJ office-bearers
By Saad Saud

ISLAMABAD—Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Nisar A. Memon and Secretary Syed Anwar Mehmood have extended felicitations to the newly-elected office-bearers of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ).
In separate messages of congratulations to RIUJ President Afzal Butt and General Secretary Ashfaq Sajid, they reiterated government’s resolve to protect and promote freedom of expression in the country, terming it as an essential pre-requisite to any democratic set-up.
Describing their election as a positive step, they hoped this would contribute towards the welfare of the media community. They said the government firmly believes in a responsible journalism and freedom of the press, since a free and independent media serves the interest of the people.
They assured that the government would continue to promote healthy working relationship with the media, adding “The government attaches high importance to role of media in addressing the challenges confronting the country”.
They said the media will hopefully play its positive role in the conduct of upcoming elections in free, fair and transparent manner.
They assured them their all possible support in carrying out their professional duties and strengthening the media organizations at regional and national levels.
“The government will take all possible steps to provide the journalists community best working environment and better living conditions,” they said.