PM says media has to play vital role
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that Media has a important role to play in the national affairs with responsibility and commitment.
Talking to the members of the APNS delegation, which met him here at the Prime Minister’s this afternoon, he urged them to extend cooperation, support and guidance to the government as well as the people to face the challenges, with courage and patience.
He said that despite the fact that the general elections resulted in a split mandate yet it was heartening to observe that democratic and moderate forces have succeeded in achieving substantial majority. This trend, he said, led to the formulation of coalition governments at the federal and provincial level, which reflect unity through diversity.
The mandate given by the people, the Prime Minister said clearly indicates that they want to see a change in the system, and assured that the government would not discourage the people and would come up to their expectations. “Our government, “ he said, “was committed to the supremacy of parliament, rule of law and balance of power between various state institutions.” The Prime Minister said that electricity shortage was one of the major crises being facing today, and reminded that the policy of PPP government to set up IPPs, in 1993 was criticised at that time but today has been realised as a correct decision. The political leaders, he said, have the ability to look into future; they have a vision to solve the problems of the people.
Terming wheat crisis as another challenge which requires immediate attention, the PM said that not fixing the support price of wheat in August last year was a criminal negligence and was purposely delayed: and dad the present government, not announced revised support price of Rs.625/- per forty kg it could have led to further difficulties.
As regards the issue of restoration of judges the Prime Minister said immediate action to free the judges reflect party’s intentions. “We believe that Parliament is the supreme body and all important issues should be solved by the Parliament. A Parliamentary Committee to give recommendations on judges’ issues, and would be able to give the best possible solution he said, while on other issues, like PEMRA, freedom of information, FCR, labour and student issues, he said, committees are being formed.
The President of APNS Mr. Hameed Haroon while congratulating the Prime Minister on attaining unanimous confidence of the House said that the challenges before the government would require wholehearted attention towards good governance. The freedom of Press/Media and the freedom of expression, he said, would also require a democratic approach. He specifically mentioned four issues being faced by the print media. Firstly, he said, the advertisement policy needs to be improved in which equitable distribution among genuine publications could be ensured.
He also asked for revision in the government advertisement rates. Secondly he raised the issue of multiple taxes and demanded concession in some keeping in view the rising prices of newsprint. Thirdly, he asked for resolution of the contentious issue of Wage Board Award on rational grounds. Fourthly, he referred to certain Press Laws, which he considered are hampering the freedom of expression and free flow of information. He said all those laws, which are against the principles of democracy be removed from the statutory book.
The Prime Minister assured the APNS Executive Body that all issues confronting the Media would be resolved in consultation with the stakeholders. He offered his earnest support to the Minister for Information and Broadcasting and APNS in this regard. Mr. Arif Nizami who is also President of CPNE while reiterating abolition of Laws, which hamper freedom of expression and speech, said it is also incumbent upon Media to develop self-responsibility.