Dr. Firdous to 'live and die with PPP'
December 29, 2011
"Next general elections would be held in the country in 2013 according to schedule and after the completion of democratic term by the present government," she told media after inaugurating Pakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority (PEMRA) Complaints Call Center.
"Pakistan People's Party (PPP) led government will complete its constitutional tenure as masses have mandated it through their vote to run government affairs for five years," the minister stated.
Brushing aside rumours that she is going to join Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insharf, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said, "I have to live and die with Pakistan Peoples Party and such rumors carry no weight."
She said "Ministry and any other portfolio are meaningless to me," adding, "I would prefer to go home if failed to deliver."
About the Complaint Call Center, she said a state-of-the-art public complaints call centre (0800-736672) has been set up to address complaints against cable operators.
The Minister said dedicated and trained staff would be available at the Center round the clock. PEMRA has been given mandate to improve the standard of information, education and entertainment, ensuring more choices for viewers in news, current affairs and other programs.
She said launching of complaints call centre is the one step ahead to facilitate public at their doorsteps through one window facility and it would definitely work as catalyst to bridge divide between stakeholders and PEMRA.
The minister said the government has also established Councils of Complaints at four provincial capitals and one at Federal Capital comprising eminent persons to redress public complaints and grievances against broadcast media and distribution service.
Information Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the government believes in freedom of expression and media but this freedom must be coupled with responsibility as well as in conformity with the societal norms.
Replying to a question, she said the call center has not been established for victimization rather it would take action against the channels involved in airing programmes against religions and country's interest.
"We want to introduce self-accountability at the channels by introducing this medium," she remarked.
She assured that status and quality of the complaint will be evaluated before taking any action and said, code of conduct evolved by the government in consultation with all stakeholders for media will be fully implemented.
The Minister said, keeping in view the present scenario, the government is also planning to introduce National Digitalization Policy (NDP) in 2012. Introduction of NDP will increase the channels carrying capacity and improve quality of picture.
To a question she said the government is working for improvement and strengthening democratic institutions in the country and "strong media is guarantee to strong democracy and parliament."
Dr Firdous said public gathering at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh in connection with fourth Martyrdom Anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto cannot be compared with other gatherings.
"We had gathered at mausoleum of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to pay her homage and take guidance from our leaders," she added.
To another question, she said the government will honour the verdict of the court and asked those to check their track record who are today claiming that they had always respected the courts.
"We have rendered sacrifices to ensure independent judiciary and we know to honour the courts and do not need dictation from anyone in this regard," she remarked.
She said the government wanted to deliver and perform in accordance to wishes of the people who reposed confidence in PPP.
Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan thanked Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and President Asif Ali Zardari for extending support in handling the affairs of her ministry.
About Journalists Victim Fund, she said it has been established with an amount of Rs. 200 million.
The minister said the government is taking all possible measures for welfare of the journalist community in consultation with them. "We know that the journalist community has rendered sacrifices. We acknowledge their services," she added.
The public can now lodge their complaints, suggestions or comments with regard to services, quality of content of the private TV channels, FM radios and besides the complaints and feedback can also be lodged at: www.pemra.gov.pk/feedback and the e-mail: [email protected] and Fax No. 051-9107147.
