Pakistan’s support to strengthen UN Information Centers consistent: Pervaiz Rashid

Lahore: Federal Minister for Information,Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid Thursday said Pakistan has been consistent in its support to strengthen the United Nations Information Centers (UNICs).

“Pakistan believes that all possible measures should be taken to strengthen UNICs as the Centers are a vital source of information flow and bridging gap between the developed and developing countries in terms of access to information and communication technologies,” he said while inaugurating the UN Information Center Islamabad set up at International Labour Organization (ILO) office here.

He said Pakistan also supports the demand for allocation of adequate resources to ensure effective functioning of UNICs in developing countries.

The minister said public support for the UN would obviously increase as more people would know about its endeavors to address their issues like poverty, climate change, health, hunger, illiteracy and sustainable development.

He congratulated the UNIC for holding a festival to celebrate 70th anniversary of the United Nations in Islamabad in which dignitaries from over 50 diplomatic missions, representatives of international organization, civil society academia, youth and media participated.

Pervaiz Rashid said Pakistan was committed to the objectives and principles of the UN Charter. “As one of the largest troops contributing countries to the UN, Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and security is well established,” he said.

Despite pressing requirement at home, he said, Pakistan has spared troops for UN peacekeeping missions in 23 countries, out of which some have been deployed in most difficult conditions, adding “a total of 137 Pakistani peacekeepers have embraced martyrdom in line with their duties.”

The minister acknowledged UN’s contribution in Pakistan’s efforts to end poverty, address socio-economic challenges and achieve the Millennium Development Goals. He said the UN has worked closely with the governments, civil society organizations and humanitarian partners on the ground to help save lives affected by natural disasters and assist displaced people including Afghan refugees.

Pervaiz Rashid appreciated the Dag Hammarskjold Scholarship Fund which has so far sponsored visits of seven media persons from Pakistan to familiarize them with foreign policy, diplomacy and working of UN. Highlighting important role of media in shaping public perception and opinion, he said, it has the dual responsibility of conveying facts to the people as well as creating awareness among masses. He said the revolution in communication technology has not only brought speed but also provided large quantum of information, thus making it a complex exercise, in terms of speed and accuracy.

About government’s media policy, Pervaiz Rashid said it believes in promoting freedom of media and its facilitation besides ensuring access to information. He said Pakistan had launched a military operation to eliminate terrorists by breaking their network. He said the government is fully aware of the challenges faced by the media and it has taken steps  their overall security and safety.

Earlier, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rashid inaugurated the UN Information Center Islamabad by cutting the ribbon.

Director UNIC Islamabad Vittorio Cammarota briefed the minister about objectives of the Center.

The minister also visited different sections of the Information Center including the picture gallery where photos of labour community, UN’s relief activities and its peacekeepers were displayed.