NA Speaker lauds role of journalists in strengthening democracy
Says free, responsible Media along with Public friendly politics and legislation key to development of country
ISLAMABAD (Online): Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that the role of media community to further the cause of democracy is pivotal for socio-economic development of country.
He also said that both journalism and politics are intertwined and it is incumbent upon both stakeholders to cooperate with one another for country’s progress. He also said that the real power of Media is Journalists and reporter as these are foot soldiers.
He expressed these views while addressing members of Parliamentary Reporters Association ( PRA) in Parliament House Islamabad today.
National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf also said , “PRA role is to bring Parliament and people closer.” He also said that maintaining sanctity of parliament is a collective responsibility and PRA members have utmost importance in this regard. He said that media representatives and journalist community have central role to highlight positive image of Parliamentarians and Parliament.
While mentioning about record legislation in the best public interest, he said , “ as per FAFEN report I have the honour for supervising record sittings of National Assembly and for record legislation during last fifteen months.” He stressed on the need to emphasize highlighting positive images by media .
He congratulated Media community and said that successful passage of PEMRA amendment bill is indicative of proactive role of present parliament for welfare of journalists and media representatives.
Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf also said “ Parliament is the place which represents each one us , maintaining its sanctity is a collective responsibility.” He also said that Parliament since one and half years focused on legislating for common people.” While talking about the significance of journalists services, he said that Parliamentary Reporters has always highlighted positive image of Parliament.
Sadique Sajid President PRA expressed gratitude to Speaker National Assembly for extended cooperation with Media especially with PRA.
He expressed gratitude on behalf of members PRA for affectively cooperating especially on the successful passage of Pemra Amendment Act for welfare of journalists community.He also said that welfare of PRA members has been always priority of Speaker National Assembly. He said , “ the cooperation extended by Director General Media Mr.Zafar Sultan to resolve issues of PRA on priority basis is commendable.”
Later on, Speaker National Assembly distributed commemoration shields regarding golden jubilee celebration of constitution of appreciation to President PRA Siddique Sajid , Ex- President PRA,Ex President Behzad Saleemi Mr. Quran Baloch And Naib President PRA Ahmed Nawaz for enhancing Parliamentary reporting. The Senior media Representatives, Journalist community members and senior officers of National Assembly Secretariat attended the conference. Furthermore, PRA President Mr. Sadique Sajid also presented commemoration shield to Speaker National Assembly on behalf of its members for his cooperation and coordination with PRA members.
