Government to reform Information
ISLAMABAD- Information Minister Javed Jabbar while underlining the role of the Ministry of Information in regard with challenges facing Pakistan, stated that the government would carry out reforms, reconstruction and renewal in its various departments .
Jabbar appreciated the dedication of the staff of the Information Ministry “Numerically, 14,000 people, out of which 11,000 are with Pakistan Television (PTV) and Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC). So, with a staff of 3,000 which includes less than 200 officers, the ministry is taking care of government policies of a huge number of departments and corporations.” He said the Ministry of Information has been rendering a valuable service for the country.
Addressing a signing ceremony of an agreement between BBC and PBC, Jabbar expressed the hope that Radio Pakistan will meet the challenge of attaining independence without compromising on national interests.
Jabbar described the occasion as important and stated that for Radio Pakistan it means how best it can use the opportunity and enhance its standing. “We hope be the beginning of a new phase of development in broadcasting. It signifies how the Radio can become independent without compromising on national interests,” he said. The government, he said, has demonstrated a firm commitment to freedom of the Press and “we are committed to reconstruction and renewal of the media.”
Earlier, Director General, PBC, described the agreement as a landmark for PBC and said Radio Pakistan will begin with re- broadcast of BBC programmes on science.
PBC DG Syed Anwar Mahmood stated that programmes like “English for You” will be helpful for the students and BBC programmes will also be a good entertainment for the listeners of FM-101 channels in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. “Selected programmes of BBC will also be a part of our News, Current Affairs and Sports channels which will be launched in the near future,” he said.
Executive Director, BBC World Radio, Mark Bayford said the agreement is a landmark for the British channel as well. “We hope this agreement will mark the start of a fruitful cooperation between us.” He told the ceremony that BBC’s programmes in both Urdu and English are a success story. Radio, he underscored, has a vital role to play in this world of fast-changing broadcasting.
Source: Dawn
Date:6/6/2000
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