Lahore, January 09, 2018 (PPI-OT):Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that problems being faced by the journalist community will be solved on merit within a week. We welcome the positive journalistic criticism aimed at improvement but holding its self-accountability, the media should also discourage yellow journalism. The journalists and media houses that are performing their duties by maintaining the journalistic ethics of speaking truth and honesty are commendable. The journalists should point-out the corruption cases worth billion of rupees that have been put in cold storage, while the NAB should proactively pursue them. He expressed these views while talking to the newly elected office-bearers of Lahore Press Club, today.
The Chief Minister said that role of the media is pivotal in raising public awareness and added that journalistic right of healthy criticism on the government and other institutions is acceptable but working for transformation of the society instead of playing a routine innings will give you a sense of individuality in the journalistic community. It is an immense responsibility to rightly avail the power of the pen. I appeal to the journalists to utilize their authority and power for bringing the soft revolution in the society; he added and expressed the satisfaction that with the Grace of Allah Almighty, the general situation in Pakistan is much improved as compared to 2013.
The energy crisis is about to an end and the indigenously produced thousands of megawatts electricity is being including in the national grid. Our energy projects developed with a cost of billion of rupees have started producing electricity despite criticism of the opponents, sit-ins and impediments raised in shape of public processions and gatherings. I challenge the opposition to find out any corruption in these projects. I point out with all humbleness and satisfaction that while the element of corruption is impossible in these projects, the energy projects are being completed with much lesser costs which were spent on earlier projects.
On the other side, the incidents of terrorism have been much decreased as compared to the past. But for that, armed forces, police and other law enforcement agencies as well as the people have given tremendous sacrifices to maintain peace in the country. Despite that, the undue criticism of the US President as well as his scathing statement is a matter of concern for the whole nation. People from all walks of life should ponder over it because nobody has talked to us in such a humiliating manner during the last 70 years. Without trying to glean out the reasons of the statement, we should try to find the way out, he added.
The Chief Minister pointed out that Pakistani nation has given sacrifices of thousands of brave sons and added what more proof we should give to the world and assure them that Pakistan has given remarkable sacrifices in the war against terrorism. It is the result of these efforts that incidents of terrorism have been decreased drastically. The law and order has been restored and foreign investors are rushing towards Pakistan in large numbers. The bitter statement of the US President has broken hearts of the Pakistani people as Pakistan can never be decried as deceitful and untrustworthy. Will there be any worst taunt than it? Now we shall eat a simple food, generate our own resources and indigenous resources will be utilized with utmost transparency to fulfill the needs of the common man.
Replying to a question, the Chief Minister said that elements levelling the allegations of corruption in Multan Metro have distorted the national image. If I have done any corruption then it must be proved. The Chinese government has punished the Yabaite Company and it has tendered the written apology publically. It is no justice to involve a sincere friend like China in any corruption issue. Similarly, somebody said that we have been called to Madina Munawara for an inquiry though I have had never met those Saudi princes in my whole life; we could antagonize our friendly countries through such irresponsible allegations.
The Chief Minister said that he is hopeful that the media shall perform its journalistic duties in accordance with journalistic norms while fulfilling the needs and requirements of impartiality as well. We shall develop Pakistan according to the vision of Quaid and Iqbal, he added. The newly elected LPC President Azam Chaudhry thanked the Chief Minister and said that your services for strengthening of democracy are commendable and added that press is also working for the promotion of democratic norms. The journalist community is thankful to you for constituting a committee on the issue of B-Block.
Rana Shahnawaz said that Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif is a ray of hope that will be beneficial for the societal development. You are a humane person as well as a superb administrator, he added. Spokesman Punjab government Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that consultation is in process with Board of Revenue and other institutions with regard to housing society of Lahore Press Club. The Punjab government shall take every step for the support of journalists. Other office-bearers thanked the Chief Minister for proving grant to the Press Club. They also apprised the Chief Minister about their problems. Press Secretary to CM Shoaib-Bin-Aziz, Secretary Information Raja Jehangir Anwar and DGPR Muhammad Shahid Iqbal were also present on the occasion.
For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations, Punjab (DGPR)
Government of the Punjab
21-Mahmood Gaznavi Road (Abbot Road), Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99201390-1-2
Fax: +92-42-99201371-2
E-mail: info@dgpr.punjab.gov.pk
Website: www.dgpr.punjab.gov.pk