PM directs resolution of newspaper issues

Kakar emphasizes crucial role of newspapers in fostering environment where diverse opinions are heard

ISLAMABAD:

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar issued directives to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, as well as the Finance Ministry, to expedite the resolution of newspaper-related issues. He emphasized the crucial role of newspapers in fostering an environment where diverse opinions are heard.

During a meeting with a delegation from the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), led by its president, Irshad Arif, the Prime Minister expressed concern about an organised propaganda campaign against the state. He also mentioned that during his recent visit to the United States, he faced a campaign of false news and undue criticism.

The Prime Minister highlighted that he effectively presented Pakistan's case on climate change to the world, incorporating cultural aspects and referencing the Holy Qur'an.

In addressing issues of foreign currency smuggling, he noted stringent measures to curtail the smuggling of dollars, resulting in the appreciable rise of the rupee against the dollar. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director also commended these efforts.

The Prime Minister underscored the economic damage caused by the smuggling of petroleum products and emphasized ongoing efforts to combat power theft across the country.

He said Pakistan had billions of dollars of trade potential with Central Asian states. “I am trying my best to take such measures during the short period by which we can use our trade’s capacity.”

Read also: PM terms smuggling ‘existential threat’

Speaking about his upcoming visit to China, PM Kakar informed the delegation that the Pakistan-China strategic relations, bilateral trade, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and tourism promotion would be discussed during the visit.

Similarly, he said plans to take full advantage of the potential of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan would also be part of the discussions. He said the government was making the process of privatization of loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs) fast and transparent as privatisation of loss-making public institutions would reduce the loss to the country’s exchequer.

With the involvement of the private sector, the prime minister said positive business competition would increase and the best facilities would be available to the public. With respect to the Afghan refugees’ issue, he said “Afghans are our brothers, and no one is sending back legally residing Afghan refugees”.

However, he made it clear that the illegal aliens were being deported and strict action would be taken against them after October 31. On Israel’s recent aggression in Palestine, he said it was a war between oppressor Israel and oppressed Palestinians.

“Pakistan stands side by side with the oppressed Palestinians until they achieve their right to self-determination and an independent Palestinian state,” he added.

Editors of national and regional newspapers from across the country participated in the meeting. Secretary Information, Principal Information Officer and relevant senior officials also attended the meeting.