LAHORE: President Ayub Khan today [Nov 26] pleaded for speedier media of communication in the country for creating better understanding between the Government and the people. Inaugurating the pilot TV project at the newly constructed building of Radio Pakistan, Lahore, the President said that in a country like Pakistan, where democracy was taking root, a close understanding between the people and the Government was of immense importance. “If you want to run a democratic Government you have got to remove unnecessary misunderstanding between those who run the country and those for whom it is run.”

Referring to misapprehensions in certain quarters that TV might be misused as a commercial organisation, the President declared that it would not be allowed to happen in Pakistan as the Government would have effective control over the organisation. “The Government will have a major say in all its programmes,” he added. The Pre­si­dent said national integration and development of the country in every sphere were the two main national objectives, and it was necessary that all activities in the country should be directed towards the achievement of these goals. He said that in the larger interest of national cohesion, the people should be taken into confidence and be kept fully informed of development activities.

Published in Dawn, November 27th , 2014