President Mamnoon Hussain has underlined the importance of projecting true image of Pakistan as a moderate, peace loving and progressive Islamic state and called for efforts to proactively remove misperceptions about Pakistan.
The President expressed these views while talking to a delegation of Press Officers of the Information Group posted in Pakistan Missions abroad who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Wednesday.
The President stated that the role of press officers is important in creating understanding and awareness about Pakistan and highlighting the successes achieved in the economic and social spheres to make the country a truly democratic and progressive country.
The President noted that media has a central role in diplomacy and with the revolution in information and communication technology its significance has further increased. The President said that the world has now become a global village and social media has turned common man into a journalist, therefore heavy responsibility falls on press officers in projecting government’s policies and protecting national interests. “Your top priority should be to project Pakistan as a democratic, moderate and peaceful state which desires friendly relations with all its neighbours,” stated the President.
The President said that the people of Pakistan and its civil society are peace loving and humanitarian adding that the ratio of public charity to GDP is the highest in the world in Pakistan.
The President said that Pakistan has been the biggest victim of terrorism and has lost more than 60000 lives in the war against terrorism and extremism. He expressed his satisfaction at the successes achieved in operation Zarb-e-Azb and expressed his conviction that complete success will soon be achieved in eradicating this menace from the country.
The President called for highlighting Kashmir issue as an international dispute which should be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir and in the light of UN resolutions. “Pakistan fully supports Kashmiri people in their struggle for right to self-determination and expects from international community to play its role in halting gross human rights violations by Indian security forces in Kashmir”, underscored the President. He directed the press officers to explain the true context of Kashmir issue and non-fulfillment of the UN resolutions and pledges by India.
President Mamnoon Hussain said that democracy is strengthening in the country where media is independent and the women are being encouraged to acquire education and play a greater role in nation building. He further said that the civil society is playing a very active role in the country which is paving way for a very constructive change in the society.
President Mamnoon Hussain said that the country’s economy is improving as a result of sound economic policies and urged the officers to highlight investor friendly policies of the government to attract foreign investment. The President stated that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project would transform not only Pakistan but the whole region. “With the completion of energy projects, the country would get rid of load shedding by 2018”, asserted the President.
The President hoped that press officers will work with dedication and utilize all their abilities in furthering the interests of Pakistan at their places of posting. The President wished the officers well in discharge of their new responsibilities.
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