Media gag laws’ repeal soon, says Sherry
By Saad Saud

ISLAMABAD—The government believes in the freedom of expression and liberty of media in the country and we have prepared summary for repealing all media gagging laws. This was stated by Minster for Information and Broadcasting, Ms. Sherry Rehman, here Tuesday during a meeting with a six-member media delegation of France which called on her here.
The Minister briefed the delegation about the 100 days plan of the government. She said that the coalition government hopes to turn around the economic future of the country and develop Pakistan into a stable, progressive and dynamic country. “We are planning to bring the tribal areas into mainstream by abrogating the colonial Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) laws and by extending Political Parties Act to these areas”, the minister added.
While replying to a question, the minister said that Islam is a religion of peace and it does not allow killing innocent people in the name of religion. “Majority of the Madrassahs are greatly serving the masses, particularly the poor ones, by providing free boarding, lodging and education. We are establishing Madrassah Regulatory Authority in order to streamline their affairs”, the minister added.
Responding to another question the minister said that the empowerment of women has always been the prime objective of the political struggle of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and her party. “We have elected Dr. Fahmida Mirza, as Speaker for National Assembly, who is the first woman to hold this office in the history of the country and women are also holding other key positions in the present government”, she stated. “Our government would introduce policies to empower women and encourage their participation in the every walk of life”, the minister further added.
The members of the delegation appreciated the vision of newly established democratic government and hoped that bilateral relations between Pakistan and France would be further strengthened in future.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ms. Sherry Rehman Tuesday said the coalition government of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was committed to turning around the economic future of Pakistan and developing it into a stable and progressive country. “We are planning to bring the tribal areas into mainstream by abrogating the colonial FCR laws and by extending Political Parties Act to these areas,” she said while talking to a six-member media delegation of France.
The Minister said the present government believes in the freedom of expression and liberty of media, adding that “we have prepared a summary for repealing all media gagging laws.” Briefing the delegation, she said the empowerment of women has always been the prime objective of the political struggle of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and her party. Sherry Rehman said Dr. Fahmida Mirza, who has been elected as Speaker National Assembly, is the first woman holding this office in Pakistan’s history and added women are also holding other key positions in the present set-up.