Summary Were accused of snubbing media where in reality government, itself, was snubbed, says PM.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday commended journalists for always supporting law, constitution and democracy adding that he has great regard for free media and free judiciary.
Talking to the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) he advised the media to forget about rating for a couple of years and support government as it was need of the hour.
PM Nawaz said he has always been an advocate of journalists, in and out of government, and announced Rs 50 million endowment fund for the media.
Pakistan is facing grave challenges but we cannot bring change overnight, he added.
He also said that media has also been divided over various issues and supported Musharraf’s coup while few of the journalists defied it.
He lamented the role of media during the period of sit-ins stating that media accused the government of snubbing them where in reality government, itself, was being snubbed. Sit-ins adversely affected the economy and integrity of the country, he added.
PM suggested that media can criticize the government but should refrain from berating us unreasonably adding that media should approach the government, without bounds, in case any issue arises and they can resolve it together.
He further said that Islam has taught to avoid badmouthing and defaming individuals without evidence.
Nawaz stated that media should formulate its own code of ethics.
He further said that the government aims not just to provide incessant electricity but electricity at affordable rates. Gas pipeline projects, too, were underway, he informed.
Perpetrators of Baldia Town tragedy, affiliated with any party, would be brought to justice. He said he has received the report and would leave for Karachi on Monday to obtain further evidence.
PM Nawaz vowed to deal terrorists with iron fist adding that involvement of foreign element in terrorist activities in the country cannot be ignored.
