Govt believes in freedom of expression: Kundi
* NA deputy speaker says media has always played role in restoring democracy
ISLAMABAD: The federal government believes in the freedom of expression and has taken several steps for the independence of the media in the country, National Assembly (NA) Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi said on Tuesday. He made these remarks while meeting a delegation of journalists from Dera Ismail Khan, which called on him at his Parliament House chamber. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Secretary General Senator Jahangir Badar was also present on the occasion. Kundi called upon the print and electronic media to support the efforts of the government in the war against terrorism. He told the delegation that the media was the fourth pillar of the state and was playing the role of a bridge between the government and the masses. The NA deputy speaker said that the media had always played a significant role in the restoration of democracy in the country and highlighted the problems of the citizens so that the government could solve them as early as possible.
He said that a vibrant and independent media was essential for peace and stability in the country. Kundi informed the delegation that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti had directed the Land Revenue Department to allot 137 kanals of land for the establishment of a journalist housing colony in DI Khan. Discussing the progress on development projects in DI Khan, he said that the present government was taking a keen interest in bringing the rural areas of the country at par with the urban areas. The NA deputy speaker said that all the basic amenities would be provided to the masses at their doorstep. Kundi said that Rs 420 million had been allocated in the federal budget for the Chashma Canal Uplift Project and the government had been holding negotiations with Turkey and China for the construction of this project. The PPP leader told the delegation that Rs 30 million had been allocated for the renovation and expansion of the DI Khan Airport. He said that the federal government had taken several steps for the promotion of youth empowerment and a youth hostel would be constructed in DI Khan.
Source: Daily Times
Date:7/28/2010
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