Opening of more private radio stations to be encouraged: PM | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Opening of more private radio stations to be encouraged: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Monday the Radio Pakistan, being an effective medium of communication, had been playing a constructive role in promoting national integration and projecting the message of brotherhood and unity.

He was addressing the National Excellence Awards 2006 ceremony of the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation at the Jinnah Convention Centre on Sunday night. Shaukat termed the Radio Pakistan the voice of the nation. He said that due to free media policy of the government, the number of radio stations in the private sector has increased; still the Radio Pakistan has been competing with them effectively.

The prime minister assured that the government would provide more funds for improving the efficiency and working of the Radio Pakistan. “In this age of communication, the Radio Pakistan has been playing its due role and competing with other means of communications and providing quality news and entertainment programmes,” he said, adding that the government has encouraged the private sector to open radio stations and will continue to do so in future, as it provides healthy competition.

The prime minister said the Radio Pakistan always remained in the forefront and projected the national spirit and devotion through its programmes. He especially appreciated the presentation of news, current affairs programmes, discussion, analysis, and music programmes in different languages for variety of listeners.

Congratulating those who received PBC National Excellence Awards, Shaukat said appreciation and acknowledgement always provided a source of encouragement to people to improve their working and efficiency.

The best PBC awards recipients included renowned singer Naheed Akhtar who got Melody Queen Noor Jehan Award with a cash prize of Rs 100,000. Lifetime achievement awards were given to former director-general Saleem Gilani, singer Surrya Multanikar, artist Muhammad Qavi Khan, artist Sajjad Kishwar and singer Tasawar Khanam.

PBC National Super Awards were given to Khater Ghazanvi, first announcer of PBC Kanwal Naseer, Saifuddin Qureshi, Ustad Raid Ahmed, Taj Mastani and Taj Muhammad Tajil. PBC National Special Awards 2006 were given to Dr Ilyas Ashqi (poet), Ali Azmat (singer), Shehzad Roy (singer) and Mehr Azhar Ali Radio Producer who lost his three children in October 2005 earthquake. Shaukat also gave away Rs 500,000 to Azhar Ali on this occasion and expressed condolence and sorrow over the demise of his three children in the October 2005 earthquake.

Ministry of Health, Fauji Fertilizer and Ministry of Population along with Interflow Communications, Orient Mecan Orax, Medas Advertising and Clarity Communications were also given awards for their support and help to Radio Pakistan during 2006.
Source: The News
Date:2/13/2007