ISLAMABAD, March 28: Federal Information Minister Nisar Memon said Pakistan’s image needed to be handled by the press councillors and press attaches posted abroad with utmost care, ensuring support for country’s foreign policy objectives.

He stated this while attending a presentation at the External Publicity Wing of the ministry here on Thursday. The information secretary, Syed Anwar Mahmood, was also present on the occasion.

The minister directed that the press officers working abroad must strengthen their professional and linguistic skills to meet the new challenges in the world of media and communication. He had given three months time to acquire proficiency in the language of the host country.

The minister said officers and staff of the wing posted abroad should spare no effort in countering the negative propaganda and projecting the correct perception about the country. “They must be prepared to accept the challenges being faced due to the communication revolution and information and media explosion”, he added. “The projection front has attained great significance and the good work being done in the country should be fully reflected there”, the minister said.

Mr Memon lauded the EP Wing’s performance in handling the unprecedented rush of foreign journalists and media-men, swelling up to nearly 3,500 in the country in the backdrop of September 11 incident and asked the organization to prepare itself for similar performance on the eve of forthcoming elections scheduled for October, this year.

He instructed that coordination with foreign media be improved and expanded.

Earlier, the director-general, EP Wing, briefed the minister on the role, function and responsibilities of the organization. — APP