Pakistan Television (PTV) enjoys unprecedented freedom: Anwar Mahmood
ISLAMABAD- Information Secretary Syed Anwar Mehmood said the present government firmly believes in the freedom of expression and it has granted unprecedented freedom to Pakistan Television (PTV).
He made these remarks while addressing the second conference of PTV general managers.
Citing the coverage of the planned rally of political parties in Karachi on May Day by PTV, he said, “the PTV news bulletins are now much more liberal and objective than ever before. The PTV news coverage is certainly much more better than before.” In this regard, he also referred to the live transmission of weekly programme ‘Mukalma (Dialogue)’, which is participated by politicians of all hues.
He said Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf is taking personal interest in granting freedom to Pakistan Television. “The chief executive himself has asked the media managers of the government to liberalise the contents and presentation of news on PTV.”
Anwar Mehmood, who is also Chairman of the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) and Pakistan Television (PTV) said, “we are passing through a transition phase. We are moving from a totally controlled environment to a much more liberal and freer environment as far as presentation of news is concerned.” “We are heading for right direction. Let’s consolidate this freedom.”
The information secretary lauded the management and staff of PTV for making Pakistan Television a successful institution. He assured government’s all-out support in PTV’s efforts to improve its working and performance.
Major General Rashid Qureshi, Director General, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), underlined the need for promoting provincial harmony and cohesion through PTV programmes.
Qureshi, who is also Press Secretary to the Chief Executive, said the PTV has to play vital role in forging national cohesion and harmony in order to foil negative designs of anti-state elements. “All Pakistani men and women are our brothers and sisters and we will serve them without any prejudice and discrimination.”
He said the PTV has made tremendous improvement in its working under the present government. “There is still room for improvement, but we cannot ignore the fact that PTV has improved a lot.” He also appreciated ‘PTV News Morning’ transmission.
Yousaf Beg Mirza, Managing Director, PTV in his welcome address said, “there has been a major shift in PTV’s news reporting under the present government.”
He said the PTV has carried about 109 exclusive reports over the past one month, highlighting different national, social and human-interest issues. He said the PTV plans to appoint correspondents in all districts of the country.
Mirza said the PTV has also chalked out a comprehensive plan to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah this year in a befitting manner.
Source: The News
Date:5/3/2001
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