ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that the role of the mainstream media is pivotal in countering fake news which is a “major challenge” facing Pakistan.
He said this while speaking to a delegation of the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), including Mian Amir Mahmood, Shakeel Masood, and Sultan Lakhani in Islamabad, according to an official statement.
The prime minister urged the electronic media to support the government’s efforts for the development and prosperity of the country.
Terming the media as the fourth pillar of the state, PM Shehbaz Sharif said that electronic media’s role is crucial in the development and progress of society as well as in the ideological training of the public.
He said the protection of journalists and media persons is the responsibility of the state. He expressed the hope that the media, through objective reporting, would continue playing its due role in strengthening and stabilizing democracy in Pakistan.
PM Highlights Pakistan’s Challenges, Government Priorities
The premier said that he has assumed power at a time when Pakistan is facing immense challenges. Bringing the economy back on track is the biggest challenge.
Talking about his government’s economic priorities, the prime minister informed the delegation that efforts are afoot to ensure the privatization of loss-making state-owned enterprises, internal and external investment, institutional reforms, and austerity.
He said a committee has been set up on the reduction of government expenditure, which will submit its report soon.
