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LB polls to bring gradual change in system: JJ

ISLAMABAD: The government is chalking out a comprehensive strategy to introduce real democracy in the country and holding of local bodies elections would be first step towards this end.

This was stated by Adviser to the Chief Executive on National Affairs and Information Javed Jabbar on Monday while inaugurating quarterly PTV general managers conference.

"The Chief Executive would make announcement about the local bodies elections on March 23. These polls would be entirely different from the previous ones."

Javed Jabbar said these elections would pave way for bringing about change in the country in gradual manner. "The local bodies system which has been in vogue in the country for the last 50 years has in no way served the cause of democracy."

He appreciated the performance of Pakistan television and said the government firmly believes in the freedom of press.

He said PTV was ably competing with the foreign TV channels. "We have the capability to face any challenges in this regard and there is no danger to Pakistani culture and identity."

He underlined the need for further improvement in the current affairs and news programmes.

Information Secretary Khawaja Ejaz Sarwar said PTV has made tremendous progress in recent months. He said the government would try its best to settle the issues of salaries of PTV employees before Eid-ul-Azha.

PTV Managing Director Yousaf Beg Mirza said PTV was projecting the seven-point agenda of the Chief Executive in an effective manner.

He said PTV Islamabad Centre has been turned into an exclusive news and current affairs centre. APP