Addressing journalists: Abbasi urges all institutions to unite for collective good

Says media has rendered tremendous sacrifices to preserve democracy.


Muhammad Sadaqat May 26, 2014
Governor Mehtab Abbasi presiding over the oath-taking ceremony of newly-elected members of Abbottabad Press Club. PHOTO: ONLINE

ABBOTABAD: The present government should be given some time as the country is passing through a critical phase and cannot afford a crisis.

This was stated by Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan Abbasi while talking to the media at Abbottabad Press Club on Monday. Journalists had gathered to witness the governor administering oath to newly-elected officebearers of the press club and Abbottabad Union of Journalists.

He said journalists and politicians have rendered great sacrifices for democracy, adding that the present democratic setup, with different parties in the centre and the provinces, has proved to be a good experience.

Referring to the upcoming withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, he said owing to its geographical status, Pakistan has attained great importance in the given situation. He said people of the tribal areas have an important role to play for lasting peace in the country, adding the stubbornness of some tribal elders has deprived the area of education and development.

He held the previous government equally responsible for failing to develop the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), and expressed his resolve to bring about development in Fata.

Lauding the efforts of the federal government, he said law and order has improved during the last four months, and has thus attracted foreign investors who are helping create new jobs.

The governor termed joint projects between Pakistan and China as crucial for the development process. He said new road networks, including the Hazara motorway project, would usher in a new era of prosperity.

Abbasi also announced a grant of Rs1 million for a computer lab and library for the Abbottabad Press Club and promised to take up the demand of journalists who wish to travel abroad. Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists President Afzal Butt, Sardar Naveed Ahmed and Raja Haroon, among others, also spoke on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27th, 2014.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ