Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: State Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb on Monday announced that the 70th Independence Day of Pakistan would be celebrated in a befitting manner.

The minister said this while addressing a ceremony organised by the news and current affairs channel of the Radio Pakistan in connection with the World Radio Day at the National Broadcasting House.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had directed that the year should be celebrated befittingly and contributions of all those who worked for development of the country be duly acknowledged.

She said that Radio Pakistan, which would also complete 70 years of its opening, would play a key role in highlighting the contribution of national heroes in various spheres of life.

She said that Radio Pakistan as a credible medium was actively promoting the positive image of the country.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said Radio Pakistan had been complementing efforts of the government towards realisation of sustainable development goals, and efforts for provision of health, education and infrastructure facilities to the masses.

“It also contributed a lot towards the goals of gender equality and women empowerment, and [was] now projecting different aspects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor,” she remarked.

The minister said that Radio Pakistan began its journey with the creation of independent Pakistan and since then had been instrumental in boosting morale of the nation and raising a ray of hope.

Be it natural disasters or wars, Radio Pakistan played its role well during critical junctures of our history, she said.

She paid tribute to all those who had remained associated with Radio Pakistan in different capacities and played their part in the process of nation building.

Marriyum particularly referred to the contribution of Radio Pakistan in motivating the youth to engage in positive pursuits.

She acknowledged the role played by the private media, but pointed out that radio reached to those as well who had no access to any kind of information medium, especially in the remote and far-flung areas of the country.

She said that Radio Pakistan would also start “Pakistan This Week” programme to highlight development work, including the CPEC and other infrastructure projects. The youth would also be engaged in the programme, she added.

The information minister said that a weekly programme titled “National Heritage and Culture of Pakistan” was also being started to acquaint the youth with the rich culture and heritage of the country.

She said that a weekly programme would also be broadcast in order to raise awareness about the sustainable development goals and framework of Vision-2025.

On the occasion, she announced Radio Pakistan’s internship programme for the youth, which would enable the graduating students to complete their community projects.

The minister suggested that next year the World Radio Day should be organised at an educational institutions so that the youth could also be engaged in such events.

The minister said that when she took charge of the ministry, the first directive given by Nawaz Sharif was about taking steps for protection and welfare of media persons.

She said a bill for protection and welfare of media persons was under process and would be implemented after passage from parliament. She extended heartfelt sympathies to the family of Taimur, the assistant cameraman of a private news channel.

The minister said that she had contacted the Sindh governor and the provincial government in this regard. The minister said that the media was being targeted due to its role in the war against terrorism. She said that steps were being taken through reforms to avoid such incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, the information minister called on Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and discussed with him the financial matters pertaining to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

According to a press statement issued by the ministry, they also had an exchange of views on media-related matters.

The finance minister said that a vibrant media was always vital for growth of democratic norms in the country, adding that the government would always do its best to facilitate working of the print and electronic media.

Dar, while referring to his recent meeting with senior representatives of the Pakistan Broadcasters Association, said that all their genuine issues would be addressed.

Senior officials of the Finance Ministry were also present in the meeting.