Category: General

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has reiterated his commitment to ensure freedom of press and expression in the country.

Talking to the delegation of Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors in Lahore today [Sunday] he said the government has no plans to place any restrictions on media. The Prime Minister reassured the delegation of the provision of protection to journalists against needless action under different laws including PECA Ordinance.

He said that the Law Ministry has been tasked with reviewing PECA Ordinance.

Praising the positive role played by CPNE for protection of democracy and progress of democratic institutions, Shahbaz Sharif said that the present government is willing to work constructively along CPNE and other representative journalist bodies.

He said that the present government is taking every possible measure for power generation and ensuring its transmission to address plights being suffered by the public.

He said that the government is striving hard to ensure provision of basic life needs to poor people, including atta, medical treatment and medicines at cheaper rates.

He said that the previous government doubled the loan burden over the nation during the last four years, due to which the lives of poor people have become more miserable.

The Prime Minister said that the nation needs unity these days so that unusual economic issues can be solved for the welfare of the public.

He said that in these circumstances, taking out the Long March against the present government is unreasonable and tantamount to dividing the nation.

Shahbaz Sharif said that the present government is also working tirelessly to work effectively on all development projects in the country including CPEC and Reckodiq.

He said that the government wants to have foreign relations with all states including brother countries on the basis of mutual respect and bilateral interests.

The Prime Minister also reiterated his commitment that electoral reforms are essential for holding transparent elections in the country.

Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Secretary Information Shaheera Shahid and high up officials were present on the occasion.

The CPNE delegation included President of CPNE Kazim Khan, Senior Vice President Ayaz Khan, Vice President Punjab Arshad Ahmad Arif, Secretary General Aamir Mehmood among other members.

Source: Radio Pakistan

The Armed Forces have taken strong exception to unlawful and unethical practice of dragging the military into country’s internal politics and expect all to abide by the law and keep them out of political discourse in the best interest of the country.

The ISPR, in a press release issued on Sunday, said recently there have been intensified and deliberate attempts to drag Pakistan Armed Forces and their leadership in ongoing political discourse in the country.

It said these attempts are manifested through direct, insinuated or nuanced references to the Armed Forces as well as their senior leadership, made by some political leaders, few journalists and analysts on public forums and various communication platforms including social media.

The ISPR said the practice of unsubstantiated, defamatory and provocative statements and remarks is extremely damaging.

Source: Radio Pakistan

The International Mothers’ Day was marked in Pakistan like elsewhere in the world on Sunday, to celebrate motherhood and honour mothers.

Greeting mothers, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on the occasion said no one can be more sincere than a mother, who is a place of solace in every pain.

He said Allah Almighty introduced Himself through mother and placed the paradise beneath her feet.

He said serving the mother is in fact a testimony to the character of a human being.

Let’s make our world and thereafter better by serving mothers.

Shehbaz Sharif said mother’s love, encouragement, and prays always play a vital role behind the success of every individual including him.

He said we also salute the mothers of Palestine and the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, whose sons are being martyred.

On this day, we salute the mothers of our martyrs, who laid their lives for the honour and dignity of the motherland.

We present tribute to great mothers like Dr Ruth Pfau, who led a fight against leprosy for 55 years.

The Prime Minister also paid rich tribute to Bilquis Edhi for playing a role of the mother of the entire society.

He prayed the Almighty Allah to keep the souls of all mothers, including his own one, in heaven.

He said it is the mother, who teaches us Islam, Quran, humility, love for the Prophet [Peace Be Upon Him] and Pakistan as well as courage to face difficulties.

Shehbaz Sharif said whatever he is today is due to the prayers and training of his brave father and devout mother. He urged the people to serve their mothers because this relationship is an intimate and great connection.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan has condemned the heinous terrorist attack in Sinai, which resulted in death of eleven security personnel.

In a statement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Government and people of Pakistan extend deepest condolences to the bereaved families.

The statement prayed for early recovery of those injured in the attack.

It further said that Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We also reaffirm our solidarity with the brotherly people of Egypt.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, highlighting strong economic, trade and investment ties between Pakistan and the European Union, has expressed the desire for further strengthening the multi-faceted relationship in diverse sectors including climate change and legal migration.

He expressed his desire during a meeting with a Charge d’ Affaires of the European Union to Pakistan Thomas Seiler who called on him in Islamabad on Saturday.

The prime minister also underscored the importance of regular high-level exchanges between two sides to deepen bilateral collaboration and enhance mutual cooperation on issues of peace and stability in the regional and international context.

The charge d’ affaires congratulated the prime minister on assuming the office and conveyed best wishes of the European Council President and the President of the EU Commission.

The prime minister thanked the charge d’affaires for his felicitations and underlined the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with EU and its member states.

Thomas Seiler affirmed EU’s commitment to further deepening of bilateral cooperation with Pakistan.

Pakistan and EU are celebrating the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

Events, marking this milestone, will be held both in Islamabad and Brussels.

Source: Radio Pakistan