KARACHI: The concrete foundation of democracy is aligned with a free and independent media in Pakistan. Our country will be receiving huge economic benefits from the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) believes in the progress of the whole country rather than in provincialism. These views were expressed by Gen. (retd) Abdul Qayyum, PML-N’s Senator while talking to the editors under a ‘meet the Editors’ program by Pakistan Newspaper Editors.
He affirmed that the government believes in an independent media and the overall attitude of the print media is responsible. “We are well aware of internal and external aggression and are ready to give the appropriate response in case of hostility”, he asserted.
Pakistan is acquiring a brave army which is well equipped with an atomic arsenal and modern missile technology.
During the ongoing anti-terrorist crackdown, hideouts and those facilitating terrorists have been crushed. This has brought back peace in the country – particularly in Karachi, he believed.
“Terrorism is the result of the non-seriousness of Afghanistan and the current unrest in the Middle East which cannot be resolved only through Pakistan’s efforts”, Qayyum told the gathering.
Power load-shedding would end within one and a half year in the country and all segments of society and political parties should support us, he said.
The PML-N are encouraging the industrialization process for economic development and will make Pakistan Steel Mills a profit-making entity again.
He believed that the deplorable situation of Pakistan International Airlines and other public entities are the result of poor policies of successive governments.
Institutions are being destroyed by giving away millions of rupees in salary packages. Iran’s Steel Mill has a production of 10 million tonnes while ours is on the verge of destruction, he lamented.
Replying to a question, he assured the media that the Chief Minister of Sindh is energetic and has the zeal to work with the support of his party behind him. He added that the PML-N does not believe in meddling into the affairs of the provinces since after the 18th Amendment, several departments have already been handed over to provinces after the power of devolution. Regarding the Panama issue, he said that everyone would accept the verdict of the court.
Senator Saleem Zia, who was also present on the occasion, said that the government has delivered a lot of good that has been reflected through the winning of PML-N in local body polls in Sindh. He reiterated that they would participate in next general elections with full force to win the hearts of the people.
Ejazul Haq, Secretary General of Council Pakistan Newspapers Editors, while praising government measures assured their support in all just causes.
CPNE Vice President, Amir Mehmood, Wamiq Zuberi, Akram Seagol, Dr Jabber Khattak, Anwer Sajjadi, Rafiq Afghan, Ghulam Nabi Chandio, Hamid Hussain Abidi, Tahir Najmi, Waheed Jamal, Abdul Kahlique Ali, Qazi Mustafa, Muzzaffar Ejaz, Najamuddin Sheikh, Shabbir Chaudhry, Younus Mehar, Salman Qureshi, Abdul Rehman Mangrio, and others attended the meeting.
