LAHORE, June 20: Punjab Law Minister Muhammad Basharat Raja said here on Saturday that the government enjoyed cordial relations with the press. According to a handout issued here, he was speaking at a luncheon hosted by Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi in honour of members of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS).

The chief minister could not attend the luncheon due to an official engagement. The law minister said press had always played a pivotal role in society. He said the development process in all walks of life was continuing. He said huge funds had been allocated in the provincial budget to facilitate people in the fields of education, health, agriculture and industries.

He said the government had always welcomed criticism by the Press. Speaking on behalf of the APNS, Mr Arif Nizami said cordial relations between the government and the press were essential for establishing a democratic society in the country.

JOURNALISTS' RALLY: Journalists and newspaper employees held a big rally on Saturday to press for the implementation of the Seventh Wage Board Award. The rally was held under the auspices of the Punjab Union of Journalists outside the hotel where newspaper-owners were holding a meeting of the APNS.