ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi Wednesday said an independent media played an important role in the development of a country and its independence was among the government’s priorities.

He expressed these views during a meeting with representatives of a committee of All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) and Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), said a press release.

On the occasion, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain and the Secretary Information were also present.

The President observed that media had assumed significance as an important pillar of state, and urged both the bodies to give proper space to public service messages.

He stressed that issues like health, population, education, women issues and water should be highlighted.

The President also observed that Pakistani culture should be highlighted for promotion of tourism. The issues could be debated in the talk shows, he added.

The President said that those television channels would be given special award who would largely broadcast public messages.

New opportunities were emerging in Pakistan and the media should highlight them before people and the world, he added.

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