No compromise on national interest that damages image of Pakistan: Nisar

By
APP
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ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Monday said no compromise would be made towards anything that affects the image of the country or violates laws of the land.

A high-powered delegation comprising of senior officer bearers of Pakistan Broadcasters Association called on Interior Minister on Monday, said a press release issued here.

The delegation was headed by Chairman PBA, Mian Aamer Mehmood and comprised Sultan Lakhani, Mir Ibrahim Rahman, Shakeel Masud Hussain and Tahir A. Khan.

Matter related to the media industry, the role of media towards safeguarding national and security interests, issues of national importance and the Axact case also came under discussion during the meeting.

Talking to the delegation, the minister reiterated his call that media must play its role and utilise its immense power to further national interests, safeguard our social and religious values and prove itself as a bulwark against the tide of extremism, fanaticism and the mayhem which is often created in the name of freedom of expression.

Appreciating the important role that media has played especially towards rejection of terrorist narrative and promoting unity and oneness of the nation in the fight against militancy, the Minister said that he is holding a meeting with all representative bodies of media including APNS, CPNE and PBA tomorrow for evolving a consensus policy to safeguard national security interests of Pakistan.

The delegation also raised its concerns regarding the progress into the exact scandal and some media channels being funded through dubious, untaxed and unverified money from abroad.

The Minister said that efforts are underway to ensure that independent media progress and prospers in an open and transparent manner and the government should make every effort to support and facilitate the progress of an independent media that serves as the strength not only of the nation but also of democracy and rule of law in the country.

Speaking about national narrative against extremism and militant mindset, the Interior Minister observed that a national narrative has been prepared to counter extremism and urged the media to play its role towards projecting our national narrative.

He said that he is looking forward to his meeting with media organisations tomorrow in order to have an open and frank discussion on all relevant issues in order to have optimum conducive working environment for independent media to flourish and prosper.