Nasir Shah hands over Rs5 million grant to Sukkur Press Club

SUKKUR: Sindh Minister for Information Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has handed over a cheque of Rs. 5 million, as a financial grant, to the Sukkur Press Club on Tuesday.

On this occasion talking to media, the minister said that media is working freely in the province and the Sindh government is taking steps for the betterment of the journalist community.

He further said the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) believes in freedom of the press and would continue its support to the media, adding that the provincial government has planned to provide an annual grant to every divisional press club.

He said Peoples’ Media Support Program (PMSP) was launched by the Sindh Information Department to support the owners of the media groups for paying salaries of their employees.

He said the government firmly believes in the fundamental and legal right of freedom of expression, adding that the issues confronted by media could be resolved with joint efforts by government and journalists.

On the directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Sindh Information department had decided to take bonds from the media houses before giving them public advertisements to ensure they provide regular salaries to their employees and none were sacked.

The provincial government will provide all possible facilities for the promotion of independent and responsible journalism, he added.

He said the media’s role in the ongoing fight against COVID-19 was appreciable and like doctors and paramedical staff, the journalists were front line soldiers in the war against the epidemic. He urged media to play a constructive role in the betterment of the country and its people.