ISLAMABAD, June 21: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Tuesday said that the government was committed to resolving issues being faced by journalists and the newspaper industry in a fair and impartial manner. Talking to members of the executive committee of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Mr Aziz said the government believed in a free and responsible press, adding that media in Pakistan enjoyed unprecedented freedom.

He emphasized the need for capacity building of journalists through institutionalized training so that they could perform their professional duties efficiently, both within and outside the country.

The prime minister said the issues of the Seventh Wage Board award, newsprint and advertisement were under active consideration of the government. He said the government had set up a committee, headed by Pakistan Muslim League president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, to ensure an equitable and balanced settlement of the issues.

The delegation apprised the prime minister of their problems.—APP