KARACHI, Dec 11: Federal Minister for Information Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that media enjoys an unprecedented freedom in the country. Speaking at a gathering held here on Sunday to mark the 12th anniversary of Mohammad Salahuddin, founder editor of the Ummat newspaper, he paid tributes to the services rendered by the late editor towards the promotion of journalism.
On the occasion, he appreciated both the print and electronic media for their effective coverage of the October 8 disaster.
He said media should also play its due role in the process of rehabilitation and reconstruction by keeping the nation fully informed about the relevant facts and figures.
“The media should keep up the momentum of the spirit shown by the nation in this hour of trial,” he added.
He said that the government would ensure transparency in the use of funds to the satisfaction of all.
Sheikh Rashid rejected the criticism from certain quarters of the soft loans acquired by the government from donors, and argued that the soft loans carried reduced interest rates which would benefit the country with regard to the cost of reconstruction work in quake-hit areas.
He said the government had invited opposition parties to join in the relief and rehabilitation work, but they were creating hurdles in the way.
However, he added, the country would emerge successful by demonstrating high morale and unity.
He pointed out that the government had announced Rs175,000 for the reconstruction of each residential unit destroyed in the quake. Efforts were under way to ensure maximum possible support to the affected people, he added.
The minister said the government was not hostile to any religious group, indicating that it had intervened only when the sanctity and safety of mosques and other places of worship were put at risk.
“President Musharraf saved the country by joining the international community in its war against terrorism. Pakistan is safe and strong enough to resist any internal or external threats,” he remarked.
Sheikh Rashid observed: “Pakistan has an independent media today and the credit goes to President General Pervez Musharraf.”
He revealed that 37 more private TV channels would be coming up soon, bringing the total number of private channels to 60. The DTH service would also be launched in the country soon, he added.
The minister said that licences for around 100 FM radio stations in the private sector had so far been issued.—APP
