ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shibli Faraz has said that Japan has always stood by Pakistan in testing times and Islamabad gives utmost importance to its relations with Tokyo. The information minister said this during a meeting with Japanese Ambassador Kuninori Matsuda who called on the former here on Friday.
The minister thanked the Japanese ambassador for medical aid of worth Rs35 million from international Japanese non-governmental organizations as emergency support for deserving families of Mansehra district. He also welcomed Japan’s assistance of $2.16 million in fight against coronavirus pandemic.
They exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and bilateral relations. They also discussed prevailing situation in the wake of COVID-19 and lockdown. They also exchanged views on further cooperation in various sectors, including up-gradation of Pakistan Television and Radio Pakistan.
The minister also informed the Japanese ambassador about the government’s decision of gradual relaxation in the lockdown. He said the government is paying full attention to the welfare of poor and needy people, while imposing lockdown in the country.
Meanwhile, Minister for Information Shibli Faraz has said that people’s cooperation is required for the success of lifting of lockdown. In a tweet, he said standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various businesses will have to be implemented strictly. He said, “We will have to impose lockdown again if precautionary measures are not observed.” He said coronavirus pandemic is a common issue, which can be faced with unity.
The minister said gradual easing of lockdown shows the government’s approach of compassion for weaker segments of society. He said this will also help support small businesses in the country. He said a long-term lockdown could ruin employment of people involved in small businesses. He said economic activities and people’s health should go side by side.
He said provinces are responsible to bring improvement in health sector after the 18th Amendment. He expressed serious concern over utilization of public money in health and education sectors, which did not produce due results in Sindh.
He also asked them to furnish details of public money worth Rs8 billion provided to provincial government by the Center for distribution among the poor families for purchasing essential items of daily use.
Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz has said that Radio Pakistan will be developed on modern lines to enhance the effectiveness of this important medium of mass communication and regain its past glory.
He gave the remarks during a visit to Radio Pakistan headquarters here on Friday. He was accompanied by Secretary Information Akbar Hussain Durrani.
The minister said the role of radio has assumed special significance during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its mass reach and access to every nook and corner of the country. He visited various sections of Radio Pakistan.
Director General PBC Ambreen Jan gave a briefing to the minister on working and role of various departments of Radio Pakistan.
Later, the minister said he has special affinity with Radio Pakistan as his father and prominent Urdu poet Ahmad Faraz had also started his career from this premium institution.
He said Radio Pakistan is endowed with rich past, heritage, and traditions, adding, “We will try to rebuild the institution on these values.”
The minister said he will try to help regain radio its past glory. Referring to prevalent situation of corona pandemic, Shibli Faraz said the country is facing coronavirus on one hand and hunger from lockdown on the other and a balance is necessary.
He appealed the people to strictly follow standing operating procedures (SOPs) including wearing masks and social distancing to stop spread the virus. – TLTP
Shibli lauds Japan for helping Pakistan in testing times
