Afrasiab seeks cooperation of all concerned
LAHORE- Seventh Wage Board for Newspaper Employees Chairman justice Raja Afrasiab Khan (retired), in a statement appealed to the newspaper owners, employees and the government to extend their full co-operation to him in resolving their problems.
He issued the following statement: “I have read the proceedings of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society meeting held at Karachi which helped me understand the problems and difficulties of the newspaper owners. “My appointment as chairman of the wage board had been made as a retired judge of the Supreme Court. It is not necessary to say here that a judge will discharge all his obligations according to his oath of office. I cannot think for a movement that I would give interior or final award without giving hearing to their case or without recording the statements their witnesses. “It is my duty to hear not only the parties concerned but also to study the problems on the spot to acquaint myself with the prevailing conditions. No doubt both the sides are facing great difficulties due to price hike.
“I have a formula in my mind which, if implemented, would satisfy both the sides provided they extend full cooperation and furnish necessary information to enable me to reach a conclusion which is acceptable to both the parties and implement the same. I consider it the most important issue. “Pakistan’s bright future depends upon the fourth piller of the state and it was with this spirit that 1 had accepted the chairman’s office. No doubt both the parties are engaged in a great ‘Jehad’ I shall endeavour my best to contribute my share in the jehad. It will be a historic decision.
“I wish the newspaper industry to flourish and make it strong enough to compete with the newspaper industry of other countries. I hope the government would also extend its cooperation to the board. “All meetings of the board will be held in consultation with and in convenience of both the parties.”
Source: Dawn
Date:8/16/2000