Media playing vital role in strengthening democracy: Kaira

Thursday, 18 October 2012 21:24 Posted by Asad Naeem 442

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and

Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira said on Thursday that media in Pakistan is independent,free and playing vital role in strengthening of democracy.

He said this during a meeting with a delegation of European Union exploratory mission, on Thursday.

He said that the present government believes in interacting with the media rather than controlling it.

The minister said that the government has created conducive environment for media to grow and develop in the country.The Minister said, Pakistan and EU are partners in democracy, development and trade.

He said whenever the people of the country were given opportunity to elect their representatives,they always elected liberal and democratic forces.

The incumbent parliament,he said, has legislated far reaching electoral reforms for ensuring transparency of the procedure.

Kaira informed the delegation that a highly credible personality has been appointed as Chief Election Commissioner with consensus.

Electoral system of Pakistan has been strengthened during four years through a series of constitutional and legislative tools, he said. " We welcome election observers from EU and elsewhere. We believe that it will further enhance the transparency and credibility of elections" he said.

He said the President is part of the parliament and elected through democratic process. Kaira said President Asif Ali Zardari is strengthening democratic politics in Pakistan which is proven through his voluntary abdication of his powers to the parliament.

Head of the EU delegation appreciated the present democratic dispensation for its efforts for strengthening democratic institutions in the country.

He also lauded the PPP government for creation of conducive environment for media to grow and develop in the country.