A delegation of All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) led by its secretary general Sarmad Ali called on Caretaker Chief Minister Dr. Hasan Askari at Chief Minister’s Office, here today. During the meeting, Fateha Khawani and prayers were offered for the martyrs of Peshawar tragedy and early recovery of the injured. The meeting also strongly condemned the Peshawar blast. Talking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that best possible safety arrangements are being made in wake of security threats. Any speculations about holding of the elections are unnecessary and totally baseless. Matters relating to the elections and other relevant issues will be settled with mutual understanding and in consultation with the political parties, he said. The caretaker government is facing the triangular challenge of elections, security and day to day issues. District administration is responsible for elections related matters and their arrangements at the grassroots. Caretaker government will prove its neutrality with its actions. He said that caretaker government is committed for ensuring law and order during the elections. Everyone has to play its role for the elimination of terrorism. Equal opportunities will be provided to the political parties and peaceful atmosphere will be arranged for the people in elections. He said that caretaker government is totally neutral and apolitical and will remain so. We are working with our limited mandate and framework of the election commission, he added. Media should create public awareness during the elections. We are not oblivious of problems of the newspapers industry and have sympathies towards media workers. He said that merit and transparency will be ensured in the distribution of advertisements. Payments of outstanding dues of the advertisements will be made soon. Sarmad Ali said that DGPR Department of the Punjab government is the most organized and best institution and Punjab province has the unique honor of appointing the female as the DGPR. Office-bearers of APNS and members of the Punjab committee attended the meeting. Chief Minister also replied to various questions of the journalists. Provincial Information Minister Ahmed Waqas Riaz, Secretary Information Bilal Ahmed Butt, DGPR Ms. Nabeela Ghazanfar and others were also present on the occasion.
