ISLAMABAD: Ack­now­ledging that press critic­i­­sm of its policies was ess­ential for improving governance, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Mon­day that the government welcomed constructive criticism by the media.

Speaking to a delegation of the Pakistan Broad­casters Associa­tion (PBA), which cal­­led on him at the Prime Minister Of­­fi­ce, the prime minister said the relationship between government and the media was based on mutual trust.

He claimed that there was complete freedom of expression in the country, and that his government believed that the media was the fourth pillar of the state.

The PM used the opportunity to highlight the good work done by his regime, such as avoiding default, bringing down inflation, enacting reforms in the FBR and anti-smuggling measures.

He also said that Pakistan’s identity had been restored on the global stage and the benefits of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were starting to materialise.

According to a PM Office statement, members of the delegation appreciated the improvement in economic indicators and pledged that the media would continue to play a constructive role in national development and improving governance.

They also praised the PM’s efforts in negotiating with independent power producers (IPPs) to reduce electricity prices.

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2025