29 TV channels broadcasting programmes: Memon
ISLAMABAD: To ensure that Pakistan’s nuclear assets do not fall into wrong hands, President Gen Pervez Musharraf has put in place an effective and leak-proof command and control system, Information Minister Nisar A Memon said here on Tuesday.
“This command and control system is working efficiently under the able and professional leadership.
Pakistan Army under the command of President Gen Pervez Musharraf is fully capable of guarding the nuclear assets,” he said in an exclusive interview with The News at his office here.
Memon said 29 television channels were broadcasting programmes and the remaining ones, who would agree to abide by the law, would also be allowed to resume transmission.
Expressing confidence on holding the general elections in a free and fair manner, Memon said it was important that all segments of the society, including media persons, members of the civil society, politicians and lawyers came forward to help the interim administration in the discharge of its primary duty.
“I held the first meeting with the International Federation of Journalists this morning and am extremely grateful that we all are committed to go forward to achieve the goal,” he said.
Memon said by profession President Musharraf was a military man but by heart and mind he was a tolerant, democrat Pakistani. “That is why the assemblies have completed their constitutional term of five years,” he added.
“This is a unique precedent in the political history of the country. Now the president is striving hard for the continuation of successful economic policies of the country,” he remarked.
The minister said the environment in which the caretaking government had taken charge was very challenging.
He pointed out that they (caretakers) had to conduct free, fair and transparent elections in a short period of two months.
“The people of Pakistan as well as the world must have confidence in the transparency of the general elections.
In order to achieve this objective, the present set-up wants to ensure an enabling environment so that people cast their vote without any fear.”
Memon said the interim administration believes the freedom of the media was extremely necessary and as information minister had been asked by the cabinet to ensure the environment in which the media could perform its duties with respect and responsibility.
“People who were detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (16 MPO) are likely to be released within a couple of days under the instructions of Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro.
The ministers for law and interior have been asked to assess their cases,” he said.
The minister said the doors of the caretaker prime minister and his cabinet colleagues were open for public and all stakeholders to achieve the objective of smooth transition to an elected government.
“We are in the third phase of the process initiated by President Gen Pervez Musharraf eight years ago for transition to democracy,” he said.
Source: The News
Date:11/21/2007
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