`Fair journalism imperative for democracy’
KARACHI: Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh for Information, Jameel Ahmed Soomro, on Thursday said that fair and responsible journalism was essential for the strengthening of democracy in a true sense.
Addressing a reception held for the recognition and encouragement of APNS prestigious award recipients at Press Club Karachi premises, he said that PPP and journalists were always had strong relations and had remained with them in every struggle for the restoration of freedom of speech.
The event was organised by the Information Department, Sindh.
Soomro said that relations with the media in a practical manner, by any government, were fruitful for the welfare and development of the people and a good omen in society. “Journalism is a tool and part of the society which highlight malpractices and good activities of the government of the day,” he added.
He said that PPP was a multi-class party which includes poor, riches, labourers, industrialists, farmers and landlords and having a middle and lower middle class people.
The party manifesto represents everyone.
PPP had always fought against discrimination and ‘PPP founder Shaheed Zulfiqar Mi Bhutto had ended all the discrimination prevailing in the society.
Soomro said that such receptions were very useful and important and he was personally witnessed the APNS Awards Ceremony at Aiwan- e-Saddar.
He announced that in July 2010, the department would organise and initiate a comprehensive programme of award like APNS to give cash prizes and recognition to those who are imparting their professional duties.
Earlier, the Secretary Information Sindh Mumtaz Au Shah said that they arranged such reception in honour of those journalists who done their professional duties through their hardworking and efforts.
“We think that the Information Department will do and play some role for them which they get through their spirit and skills.
This reflects the emotional attachment of the Information Department with them and would continue to encourage and recognise them in future also,” he added.
President Karachi Press Club, Imitiaz Khan Faran, described the efforts and steps taken by the PPP and its government for the welfare of the journalists’ community.
He said that positive steps being taken by the PPP government regarding housing and health facilities were in process.
He hoped that other issues and matters would also be resolved during the present PPP government like EOBI registration, pension facilities, 7th Wage Board Award, soft loan facility and others till the end of April/May month.
He said that during the years of 1974, 1996 and 2009, PPP governments resolved the issues of journalists, Recently, the Chief Minister Sindh Qaim All Shah was also gave 467 plots to the journalists in Hawksbay Scheme Block-Il.
Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sindh Waqar Mehdi, Director General Public Relations Syed Safdar Ali Shah also addressed on the occasion.
Soomro and others presented cash awards to APNS award recipients belonging to Sindh with traditional gifts of Ajrak and Sindhi caps.
Source: The Nation
Date:3/26/2010
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