Giving assurances: Information officers to operate sans political influence
Farman directed fair and just distribution of advertisements in the media.
“This is an approach the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government wants to see in the department’s performance," said Shah Farman. PHOTO: FILE
The Directorate of Information will not be allowed to turn into the government’s propaganda machine and it will not be politicised, claimed Minister for Information Shah Farman.
Speaking during his visit to the directorate on Wednesday, Farman assured officers of the directorate full support in the dispensation of their professional duties, according to a handout issued from the office of the information director. Secretary Information Azmat Hanif Orakzai, Director Information Bahramand Jan and senior and junior officers were also present at the occasion, said the notification.
It is only professional that officers working at the directorate operate free from political influence, said Farman. “This is an approach the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government wants to see in the department’s performance.”
His comments came on the back of accusations made by the Information Officers Welfare Association questioning appointments and policies at the directorate, claiming Jan’s appointment was politically motivated.
The minister assured the Directorate of Information officers their demand for a service structure and promotions will be implemented. Farman directed the process of restructuring be restarted to open up more chances of vertical mobility for all senior officers. Any problems being faced by officers in doing their job will be looked into and resolved on a priority basis, he added.
Farman directed fair and just distribution of advertisements in the media. “The information department should work as a bridge between the government and the people” and officers should take care of public interests, he urged.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2013.