ISLAMABAD, July 26: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Tuesday claimed that the press in Pakistan enjoyed complete freedom and said the government was encouraging electronic media and had given licences to private television channels as part of its policy to strengthen freedom of expression.

The prime minister was talking to a Sri Lankan media delegation comprising journalists from leading newspapers of that country. He said Pakistan worked for peace and stability in the world and especially in the region, and pointed out that the ongoing dialogue process with India was aimed at resolving all outstanding issues, including the core issue of Kashmir.

He said: “We abhor terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.” However, he stressed the need to address the root-causes of deprivations and denial of rights to the people. He said the world community acknowledged Pakistan’s important role in the fight against terrorism.

The prime minister said electronic media in Pakistan had proliferated due to liberal policies of the government, but the print media still had an important role to play in forming public opinion through impartial and objective analysis.

The prime minister pointed out that despite its financial constraints Pakistan was the first to reach out to Tsunami victims in Sri Lanka.

Earlier, Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao also called on the prime minister and apprised him of developments in the campaign against religious and sectarian extremism.

Mr Sherpao, who was accompanied by Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah, informed the prime minister that the campaign was proceeding satisfactorily.