Protecting, promoting media government’s priority: Sherry
'Pakistan Times' Diplomatic Desk

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sherry Rehman Monday said the role of government is not to suppress media but to protect and promote it on modern lines.

Talking to journalists after taking charge as a Minister, she said the government of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and its allies is committed to taking all democratic forces on board and believes in working as a team for the progress and development of the country.

Sherry Rehman said this responsibility has been assigned to her by Co-Chairman PPP Asif Ali Zardari and she would try her best to come up to the expectations of the people.

Regarding her priorities as a Minister, she said the first priority would be to review Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Ordinance, amended on November 3, 2007 and in this regard summary would sent to the Prime Minister.

She said the decision to bring amendment in the PEMRA laws has been taken and all other laws against free media would be abolished.

The Minister said realizing the importance of quality journalism, special workshops would be arranged to provide training to mediapersons.

Answering a question, she said, “We also want to initiate tripartite dialogue on Wage Board.”

The Minister said the other of priority of her Ministry would be to deregulate and protect the media and added a special journalist protection committee would be formed.

Sherry Rehman said the government’s aim is to promote responsible and independent media in the country, adding that during next few weeks some positive developments in media sector would come to light.

Talking to senior officers of the Ministry, who were introduced to her, the Minister said there is a need to bring some positive changes in our approach and working to meet the challenges in a befitting manner.

Earlier, Secretary Information and Broadcasting, Anwar Mahmood and senior officers of the Ministry welcomed the Minister upon her arrival.●