Newspapers can play pivotal role in fostering a culture that respects diversity & diverse opinions: Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar

ISLAMABAD, Oct 12 (SABAH): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has emphasized the newspapers can play pivotal role in fostering a culture that respects diversity and diverse opinions.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar was talking a delegation of Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) led by its President Irshad Arif in Islamabad on Thursday. The delegation apprised the Prime Minister of problems being faced by the Pakistani newspapers.

The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, along with the Ministry of Finance to resolve all the problems being faced by the newspapers on priority basis.

Talking about the fake news, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said it is unfortunate that an organized campaign based on negative propaganda against the state is run. He said a systematic campaign of false news and unnecessary criticism was unleashed about his visit to the United States, despite the fact that he went there with a small delegation.

The Prime Minister highlighted that he effectively presented Pakistan’s case with regard to the climate change. He said the Allah Almighty provided him an opportunity to present cultural aspect of the climate change, citing a reference from the Holy Quran.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar further said the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had commended government’s steps to check smuggling and illegal sales and purchase of dollar. He said the government took stringent measures to curb smuggling and speculation about foreign currency in a short span of time. He said appreciation of rupee’s value against dollar is an evidence of the success of this campaign. 

Meanwhile Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has said that Pakistan considers Israel an oppressor and stands with the rights of Palestinians to their existence and return to their land.

In an interview with digital media platform, WE (World Echo) News, he ruled out any possibility of recognition of Israel and said there are no such deliberations going on.

On relations with India, he said the radicalized RSS mindset of the ruling Indian party and the Kashmir dispute are the main hurdles in the maintenance of good ties.

He said hegemonic designs of India need to be curtailed as the country is turning into hell for its minorities, including Muslims, Sikhs, and others.

To a question, Prime Minister dismissed the impression that the decision of Pakistan Muslim League leader Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan is part of any deal with the interim government.

He said the caretaker government has no soft corner for PML-N or any other political party.

On general elections Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar said the caretaker government in collaboration with the Election Commission is in the process of the finalization of the required measures.