Lahore Press Club (LPC) President Azam Chaudhry called on Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Dr Hassan Askari at his office on Monday. During the meeting, he congratulated Caretaker CM Punjab Dr Hassan Askari for holding free, fair and transparent elections. The caretaker government has rendered the responsibility of holding transparent elections in a proper way and the whole team ensured neutrality of election process, he added. Dr Hassan Askari said that timely holding of peaceful, transparent and impartial elections in the province was a challenge which has been met with the cooperation of a professional team. The caretaker government diligently carried out the task, he said. It is sanguine that national media played a positive role during election process by keeping the people informed about the facts. He said all the parties were provided a level playing field to ensure transparent and neutral elections. Pakistani people used their right of franchise independently and their disciplined behavior was exemplary during polling. He said that people have been rewarded of untiring efforts of the caretaker government in shape of continuity of democratic process. The caretaker government has fulfilled the process of transparent, neutral and peaceful elections and crores of people used their democratic right in a peaceful manner, he said. “The performance of Pakistan Army, Rangers, police, administration and other line departments has remained commendable and law and order situation was also under control due to effective measures adopted by the government. The caretaker government has proved its neutrality with practical steps,” he added. The provincial administration provided every possible facility to the voters so that they could cast their votes in a congenial atmosphere and security agencies also dutifully performed their responsibilities. With the grace of Allah Almighty, we have succeeded in holding peaceful and transparent general elections with collective efforts. He said that role of media has become increasingly important in the present age and its role in promoting public awareness is especially pivotal. Similarly, media also helps in performing the government related responsibilities in a proper manner. The chief minister said that he has been personally attached with the media industry and immediate instructions are issued to the concerned departments to solve the people related problems that are projected through electronic and print media. He said that steps will be soon taken to release the quarterly installment of annual grant of LPC. He ensured that demand of increasing the annual LPC grant will be heard sympathetically and recommendations would be made for the elected government. LPC President Azam Chaudhry thanked the CM for assuring solutions of their demands. Published in Daily Times, July 31st 2018.