By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar said on Tuesday that the government firmly believed in independent, responsible and strong print media in the country.
During a meeting with a delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), led by its President Kazim Khan, the minister assured that the consultation process with all relevant stakeholders would continue to resolve the structural and financial issues hindering the newspaper industry.
The minister also agreed on the need to introduce comprehensive reforms to the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) system.
He emphasized that it was the need of the hour to align the ABC system with modern requirements, making it both effective and transparent.
The minister pledged that necessary reforms in the ABC, the prompt payment of outstanding dues to media houses, and matters relating to news agencies would be addressed on a priority.
He added that all possible cooperation would be extended to resolve the legitimate grievances of journalistic organizations.
The CPNE delegation took the opportunity to congratulate the newly appointed Principal Information Officer (PIO), Raisa Adil, on officially assuming her responsibilities.
The delegation expressed optimism that under her leadership, mutual cooperation between the Ministry of Information and the newspaper industry would be further strengthened.
Furthermore, the delegation praised the services of the outgoing PIO, Mubashir Hassan, and extended their best wishes for his future endeavors.
Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Ashfaq Ahmad Khalil, was also present during the meeting.
