950813

Magsi donates

Rs one million

for Quetta Press

Club upkeep

LAILA A ALI

QUETTA: Press reflects society in its ture perspective as fourth pillar of the state. This was stated by Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi.

He was speaking after administring oath of office to the president and other office bearers of Quetta Press Club at Adara Saqafat Balochistan here on Sunday.

He said progress of newspaper industry is interlinked with the progress and prosperity of the society. He added our press after independence has made rapid strides in every sphere of print media activity. That is why even in the present day print media world Pakistan press is equipped with every ultra modern facility to keep the people abreast of daily development. Not only this best Pakistan press is a potent source of guidance for the government to run its affairs.

He said press of today enjoys the status of industry. As such there is cut throat competition in the print media. In this race, the press should keep in mind to come to the expectations of the nation by keeping Pakistan's interest over and above every interest. Thus newspaper industry or journalism could credibly discharge its duty to the state and the society.

Chief Minister said policy of the paper is decided by the proprietor. Within the framwork of this policy, journalists and others of the newspaper industry have to discharge their responsiblity. He added it augurs well for the country that newspaper employers and employees are fully aware of their responisbility for creating awareness among the people through print media with full sense of responsibility. The chief minister maintained that he was aware of their responsibility for creating awareness among the people through print media with full sense of responsibility.

The chief minister maintained that he was aware of a fact that at times journalists were subjected to several pressures. But despite these pressures journalists and newspapers have never abandoned their constructive and positive role for the country and the nation.

Chief minister held out an assurance to the journalists and other workers of the newspaper industry in Balochistan that his government within its available resources would resolve their problems.

He congratulated the president and other office bearers of the Quetta Press Club on their election. He said he is confident that they all would come up to the expectations of the journalists community.

Later the chief minister announced a donation of Rs one million for further expansion and renovation of the existing Quetta Press Club.

He also announced raise in government grant for the club from rupees one lakh to rupees two lakhs.

Oath taking ceremony which was largely attended included diplomats, prominent politicians, speaker Balochistan Assembly Waheed Baloch, and former chairman Senate Committee on Information and Broadcasting Syed Fasieh Iqbal.