Consensus across political parties pivotal for leading country out of current challenges: Raja Pervez Ashraf

ISLAMABAD, Mar 20 (SABAH): Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf has applauded the role of media community in the progress of country. He said, “Journalism and politics are strongly intertwined.” He said that media community has always been supportive to spread awareness among people about key national and international political issues.

Raja Pervez Ashraf expressed these views while addressing to Journalists and Representatives of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in Parliament House on Monday.

NA Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf said, “it has been mantra since ages that Pakistan has been passing through tough times. However present challenges are unprecedented. “He said that it is media community which can build consensus among diverse segments of society to tackle these challenges. He said that PFUJ is opinion builder. He also stressed that as Pakistani every one should strive to work hard for getting country out of challenges. He also stressed on the need the inculcate toleration and forbearance in society. He also feared that it is time to discourage all this intolerant attitude. Furthermore, he invited PFUJ members on the platform of National Assembly standing community on information for seeking their expert community to lead country on the path of development.

Raja Pervez Ashraf expressed that following constitution is the responsibility of each citizen in Pakistan. He also said that it is need of hour to dispel and discourage negative propaganda. He said that it is ounce upon media to keep on working for discouraging negative social media trends as they have power pen. NA Speaker also announced that International day on Journalism that is celebrated across the world on 19th November would be celebrated in National Assembly and media representatives would be invited for this day. He appreciated the services rendered by Nawaz Raza President PFUJ for media community. He also said that he would continue to make efforts for resolving challenges faced by media community. AH Khanzada Secretary General Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists highlighted challanges faced by media community across the country. He appreciated that Speaker National Assembly National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf has always supported journalist community. He said, ” All media community is with Speaker National Assembly to safeguard the interest of country.” He also requested to intervene in the situation where media representatives are being deprived of their basic rights.”

President PFUJ Nawaz Raza expressed his gratitude to NA Speaker for granting opportunity. He said that media freedom is key to development of country. He also expressed his hope that Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf would continue to support journalist community as he has been very supportive to media community.

NA Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf also took oath from newly elected members of Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ). Later on the media representatives of PFUJ also visited hall of National Assembly. The event was attended by representatives of Media persons, Journalist community and Reporters across the country.