KARACHI, Nov 23: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has said that there is a total freedom of the press in Pakistan and there are no restrictions in this regard.

He was talking to the visiting Chinese Vice-Minister of Information Wang Gounge who called on the governor at the head of a six-member delegation on Monday night.

Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister on Information Salahuddin Hyder, Secretary of Information Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, Additional Secretary Aftab Khatri and other officials were also present.

The governor said that press was an important pillar of democracy and government's policy towards it was quite liberal. He said that besides print media, and attention was being paid to promotion of electronics media and as many as 30 more electronic channels are about to commence their operation.

Dr Ishratul Ibad said the media plays an important role towards national progress, establishment of a better society and provide guidance towards right goal. In this regard, patriotism and national interest must remain above everything else, he emphasized.

Under the obtaining conditions, he said, the press can make a significant contribution towards economic stability and progress. He also highlighted the opportunities for investment in the province, especially in Karachi, the emerging economic hub.

He expressed the hope that as a result of their visit, the message of investment and friendship will be effectively conveyed to the people of China. He said that scores of Chinese experts and workers are working on various projects in Pakistan. He praised their spirit and dedication and said even in certain circumstances, the spirit they demonstrated is appreciable.

The governor hoped that the model friendship between the two countries will receive a further boost and strengthen with the exchange of delegations in various fields and become a source for growing prosperity for their people.

Dr Ishratul Ibad also had an appraisal from the delegation about media in China. The leader of the delegation, Wang Gounge, paid tributes to the governor Dr. Ishratul Ibad and said the kind of interest he was showing in various matters, he did not see the same in any governor of any province in China.

He informed that during the reformation phase for the last 20 years, the press in China has undergone a significant change and the related forum of Communist Party of China is initiating necessary steps to make journalism a source for improving the quality of life of people and economic progress of the country.

He said Pakistan-China friendship is deep-rooted and the two countries have very stable relations in every field. -APP