11 October 2004	Monday	25 Shaban 1425

PESHAWAR, Oct 10: Information Minister Asif Iqbal Daudzai has urged information officers to properly highlight the development activities and policies of the government whereas it was providing financial assistance to all press clubs and was making efforts for the journalists' welfare.

He was speaking in a cheque-distribution ceremony at the Information Department's Media Centre here. Focussing on the government's efforts for the betterment of journalists, the minister said that the government would take good care of journalists in the future as well. He said there was no pressure on the Press from the government's side and it was doing everything independently.

He said that the government had always warmly welcomed positive criticism and it also liked its people-oriented policies to be projected in the media. He said that the formation of a journalist's foundation was in the offing and it would help highlight their problems. He said that the Charsadda Press Club would be improved, adding that a hall would be constructed there.

Mr Daudzai said that officers with good reputation and performance would be encouraged. The ceremony was also addressed by MPA Maulana Mohammad Idrees and Director Information Abdul Baqi.

Earlier, the minister gave away a cheque of Rs100,000 to the chairman of the press club on behalf of the chief minister. -PPI