Shahbaz Sharif briefs his govt’s policies to a group of media houses owners

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that media has played positive role for the promotion of democracy and strengthening democratic institutions. He said that the role of media has become more important in the present situation. He said that media has earlier played important role for national solidarity, unity, harmony and Ittehad Bain ul Muslimeen and expressed the hope to play the same role in future as well.

He expressed these views while talking to senior media persons during a meeting, here today. Shahbaz Sharif said that media has got freedom through its struggle, sacrifices and efforts. He said that a responsible and independent media is essential for the guidance and accountability of the government.

The Chief Minister said that Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions rendered sacrifice for a great cause. He said that the respect and sanctity of Moharam-ul-Haram is binding upon us all. He said that Punjab government has taken all necessary measures for maintaining law & order in the province. However, the role of media is also of great importance for the promotion of sentiments of tolerance, brotherhood and patience in the society, he added.

Shahbaz Sharif said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the country is marching towards development and prosperity and national economy is improving. He said that the foreign exchange reserves have reached about 21 billion dollars and the credit rating of Pakistan has also increased.

The Chief Minister said that he always takes guidance from print and electronic media. He said that media has played an effective role at every occasion which is commendable. He expressed the hope that the role of media will further improve in the coming days.

Referring to the problems being faced by the country, Shahbaz Sharif said that the country is facing big challenges of terrorism and energy crisis. He said that political and military leadership and the entire nation is on one page in the war against terrorism. He said that Pak army has achieved glorious successes in the war against terrorism. He said that we all have to win the war of survival of Pakistan and make it a haven of peace.

The Chief Minister said that besides bullet of gun, tablets of socio-economic justice are also essential for winning the war against terrorism. He said that the problems of corruption, unemployment and poverty would also have to be resolved for eliminated trends of extremism. He said that effective measures have been taken under National Action Plan in the province and Punjab is the first province, which has constituted a Counter Terrorism Force.

Shahbaz Sharif said that the Counter Terrorism Force has been imparted training in a highly professional manner and this force is playing an important role for eliminating the menace of terrorism. He said that federal and provincial governments are taking steps under National Action Plan for eliminating terrorism. He said that punishments have been made more stringent for making necessary amendments in anti-terrorism laws under National Action Plan in Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that special chapters have been included in educational syllabus for promoting attitudes of tolerance and patience. He said that misuse of loudspeaker, publication and distribution of literature based on religious hatred and wall-chalking have been strictly checked and these steps of Punjab government have yielded positive results.

Shahbaz Sharif said that an effective strategy has also been evolved for controlling religious hatred and sectarianism from the society created for many decades. He said that the war against terrorism would be won through collective efforts and unity of the nation.

The Chief Minister said that the economic package of billions of dollars by China is a great gift for Pakistan. He said that not only Pakistan but the entire region would benefit from China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He said that CPEC would be protected at every cost. He said that Pak army, judiciary, government and the entire nation are united for protection of CPEC.

Mentioning efforts being made for elimination of energy crisis, Shehbaz Sharif said that under the leadership of Prime Minster Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, efforts are being made round the clock for removing darkness of load-shedding and overcoming problem of energy shortage. He said that the work has been started on 3600 megawatt gas based energy projects in Punjab whereas work is also continuing speedily on 1320 megawatt coal based power plant in Sahiwal.

He said that Punjab government has also completed 100 megawatt solar power plant at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park Bahawalpur in a record period. Provincial Minister for Law Rana Sanaullah, Spokesman Punjab government Zaeem Hussain Qadri, IG Police Punjab, Secretary Home, Press Secretary to Chief Minister Punjab, Secretary Information, Secretary to Chief Minister Punjab and DGPR were also present on the occasion.