KARACHI: Legislation on the right to information is in its last stage at the federal level and very soon the document will be tabled before the National Assembly after the federal cabinet’s approval. This was stated by Federal Information Secretary Imran Gardezi at a farewell given by the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) on Saturday. Appreciating the struggle for upholding the independence of journalism by newspaper editors and journalists, he said, “Your fraternity bore all pressures during the past dictatorial regimes.” He said the current values and responsibility of media houses and journalistic ethics were far better than that of the past. He said protests by the media and the people of the country against recent Indian brutalities on the people of Held Kashmir were without any prejudice and provocation. He said the weight of print and electronic media was an eminent reality. Gardezi said that in the current era of information technology, character of the print media would remain effectual and intact. On the issue of climate change, he said that it was a big challenge and the government was taking all possible measures to combat it, and that the media should also come forward and join the government in creating awareness among the masses in this respect. He announced that in a combined move of the CPNE and the government, media delegations would be formed to confront international opinion. “It would strengthen the positive image of Pakistan.” He further said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would be completed at any cost. Seventy percent of the financing is in the energy sector and that is on track, he said. On this occasion, Ambassador-designate to The Netherlands Iffat Imran Gardezi said, “It was an honour to be here. I will work to strengthen the current ties between the two countries, besides improving the country’s image.” Earlier, CPNE Secretary General Ejazul Haq appreciated the services of Imran Gardezi in connection with the media affairs. CPNE Vice President Aamir Mehmood and Finance Secretary Gulam Nabi Chandio also addressed the gathering. A large number of editors of newspapers and magazines attended the function. Imran Gardezi was also presented with a shield and his wife Iffat with an ajrak by the CPNE.