Govt to ensure public access to information: Sherry Rehman

ASSOCIATED PRESS SERVICE

ISLAMABAD : Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms. Sherry Rehman said Monday that the government would do all it can to ensure public access to information and work with stake holders to dismantle curbs on freedom of information. “Inspired by the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, we would remove all draconian media laws introduced by the previous regime and would facilitate the flow of information through an independent and free media,’ she said while talking to a delegation of All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS).
The delegation that called her under the leadership of APNS President Hameed Haroon here.
The members of the delegation appreciated the media-friendly measures taken by the new democratic government and assured the Minister of their complete support in endeavours of the government for establishment of a free, fair and responsible media in the country.
During the course of the meeting, the members discussed various problems being faced by the print media in the country.
They demanded enhancement in the rates of newspaper advertisements, as the current rates are outdated and incompatible with the ground realities.
They also demanded rationalization of the rate of GST levied on the import of newsprint. Referring to the implementation of overdue 7th Wage Board Award, the delegation linked its implementation with the exclusion of non-journalists from the beneficiaries of the Award.
The Minister assured the delegation that she would look into the issues raised by them.
She said the new government would formulate media-friendly policies as announced by the Prime Minister in his first speech in the National Assembly.
The delegation included Jamil Ather, Senior Vice President, Imtinan Shahid, Vice President, Airf Nizami, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, Syed Fasih Iqbal and Dr. Tanvir A. Tahir, Executive Director of APNS.