Decreasing inflation & unemployment are two main agendas of the govt: Marriyum Aurangzeb

ISLAMABAD, April 19 (SABAH): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will address the nation in next one or two days and will place short term and medium term agenda of the government in front of masses, adding that decreasing inflation and unemployment are two main agendas of the government. She said that the government’s focus only will be to provide relief to the Pakistani masses, adding that it will be our earnest effort to overcome electricity load shedding, inflation and unemployment. 

While addressing the maiden press conference at Press Information Department (PID) after taking charge of the ministry on Tuesday, Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the previous government’s tenure was black era in terms of freedom of expression for the media in country. 

Marriyum Aurangzeb announced to abolish Pakistan Media Development Regulatory Authority in whichever form it was present, adding that no such law will be introduced in the country which will be against the freedom of expression. She said that freedom of expression is constitutional right of every citizen. She said that in consultation with joint action committee the problems regarding media will be resolved and no regulatory authority in addition to PEMRA will be established. Marriyum Aurangzeb also announced to review PECA Ordinance 2016 in consultation with all the stakeholders. 

Marriyum Aurangzeb said that we will not send any innocent person in jail and will not promote rotten tradition of accountability, adding that the law will take its courts. She said that if anyone has done anything wrong he will have to face the consequences. She said that the positive criticism of media will be welcomed. She said that there will be zero tolerance about the ongoing campaign against the institutions on social media. She said that no one will be allowed to protest outside the homes of Hamid Mir, Asma Shirazi and Saleem Safi, adding that PM Shehbaz Sharif has issued direct instructions to IG Islamabad police in this regard, adding that the information minister will protect the journalists and this will be ensured. 

Marriyum Aurangzeb said that if anyone has done wrong during the last four years the current government will not level allegations but the law will take its courts. Replying a question, she said that constitutional position of president of Pakistan is being used for political purposes, adding that governor Punjab is also not ready to take oath from newly elected CM Punjab Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, adding that the current governor should quit his position so that new appointment is made and new governor should take oath from CM Punjab. She said that President Dr. Arif Alvi has forgotten that he is the president of Pakistan and not president of PTI, adding that if president is unable to uphold the respect of his position and he wanted to use his constitutional position for political purposes and in benefit of his party then the best option with him to resign from his position. 

She said that Imran Khan talks about the US conspiracy to topple his government so that the people should not ask question about the 5 million homes and 10 million jobs, adding that the people are not fool they will ask this question from Imran Khan.

Replying a question, Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already announced complete briefing regarding an alleged American threat letter in parliamentary national security meeting, adding that the delay was due to formation of the federal cabinet and now the cabinet has been formed so the briefing will take place soon. 

Replying another question, Marriyum Aurangzeb said that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is departing for London and will return back after meeting Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and will take oath as foreign minister after return from London.