September 25, 2002	Wednesday	Rajab 17, 1423

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SKARDU, Sept 24: The minister of information, Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas, Nisar A. Memon, laid foundation-stone of the information complex here.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Memon, who is also the chief executive of Northern Areas, said the government was keen to promote media in the region and the complex was part of that plan. Such facilities would be set up in other parts of the country, too, he added.

“After the completion, this complex will help highlight the problems being faced by the people of Northern Areas through electronic and print media,” he said.

The complex — comprising the offices of PTV, APP, PID, press club — would be equipped with telephone, Internet and other communications facilities. An FM radio transmitter would also be set up at the complex for providing information to the tourists, he said.

The minister, keeping in view the problems being faced by the local journalists, advised the district administration to renovate a room of an already-abandoned building as the local press club, and announced a Rs50,000 donation for the club.

Earlier, Northern Areas Deputy Chief Executive Haji Fida Mohammad Nashad and the President of Baltistan Press Club/Union of Journalists, M. Qasim Naseem, highlighted the problems of the local newsmen.

Mr Memon also visited the stalls of local art and handicrafts which are the part of the ongoing three-day Silk Route Festival here.