Opposition's statement over freedom of expression misleading: Dr. Firdous
Opposition's statement over freedom of expression misleading: Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said the opposition’s statement in the parliament over freedom of expression is misleading.
The SAPM talked to media in Islamabad and affirmed that the government believes in freedom of expression while ruling out any media gagging in the country. Giving wrong statements in the parliament impairs its sanctity, she stressed.
Firdous Ashiq Awan dispelled the impression that the government is creating hurdles in the way of freedom of expression.
She said Prime Minister Imran Khan has constituted a high-powered committee comprising representatives of media bodies, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, and other stakeholders to resolve issues pertaining to journalists.
The SAPM said the government is going to bridge the gap between media workers and owners of media houses.
She said the government is committed to settle issues related to outstanding dues of media houses regarding advertisements. Similarly, media houses should also clear salaries of media workers.
Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said some elements, through their social media accounts, are spreading and baseless propaganda that journalists are not allowed to perform their duty freely. She said journalists will also be invited to record their concerns and the government would certainly address them.
Improvement in Pakistan’s economy has been acknowledged at the international level and those who had destroyed it are now shedding crocodile tears, she said while adding that Imran Khan has strengthened the institutions.
