Govt awares difficulties being faced by the journalists: Dr Firdous

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan Tuesday said United Nations Secretary General António Guterres had himself witnessed the government’s steps and initiatives for the protection of minorities’ rights in Pakistan.

Talking to the media at the oath-taking ceremony of newly-elected office-bearers of Chitral Press Club here, she said the entire nation was grateful to the UN secretary general for his statement on Kashmir, which was a victory of Pakistan’s narrative and that of the Kashmiris, negating Indian claims of held valley being its integral part.

According to the sources of APP, Dr Firdous said the minorities in Pakistan were enjoying equal religious, legal and individual rights, whereas in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, humanity was being humiliated by India denying the Kashmiris their right to self-determination as per the UN resolutions.

She said a real soft image of Pakistan was brought to the fore by the UN chief by acknowledging its constructive and positive role in hosting and sheltering the Afghan refugees for over 40 years.

Congratulating the newly-elected office-bearers of Chitral Press Club, she said the government was aware of the difficulties being faced by the journalists and was taking steps for their resolution.

To a question, she said it was the government’s topmost priority to play its role in payment of outstanding dues to the media persons. She had been holding meetings with all the stakeholders for the purpose, she added.