October 15, 2008	Wednesday	Shawwal 15, 1429

KARACHI, Oct 14: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has directed the administration and the police to take notice of excesses and oppression against journalists and ensure that they could perform their duty without any difficulty.

“The people’s government believes in the freedom of the press as the Pakistan People’s Party had jointly struggled for the freedom of expression in the country,” the chief minister said, appreciating the role of the media in highlighting injustices that helped curb crime.

He made these observations while handing over a grant cheque of Rs1 million to Karachi Press Club office-bearers at the Chief Minister’s House.

When his attention was drawn towards kidnapping of the father of President of Hyderabad Press Club, Lala Rehman, the chief minister directed the police and the agencies concerned for his early recovery. He also assured journalists that setting up of the journalists’ foundation would be given due consideration.

Information Minister Shazia Marri, Rashid Rabbani, Abu Bhai, Hashim Zaidi, Waqar Mehdi and Allah Bachayo Memon were also present.

KPC President Najeeb Ahmad, Secretary Imtiaz Faran and Khurshid Abbasi thanked the chief minister and the information minister for their cooperation with the press club.

— Staff Reporter