Qatar-Pak to Enhance Economic Cooperation: Dr Firdous
Qatar is making $3 billion investments in Pakistan in the form of deposits and direct investments. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan told to a meeting of Council of Pakistan Newsp-apers Editors (CPNE) here on Monday. She thanked the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his cabinet for the announcement.
She said that the multiple initiatives, pledges and investments have been signed between the two countries. The existing close ties between Pakistan and Qatar would transform into a vibrant and strong economic cooperation. Dr Awan said that this will create new business opportunities in Pakistan and also strengthen the investment initiative of the government. She said that this amount will help Pakistan overcome its economic challenges.
She said that Prime Minister Imran Khan announced visa on arrival for Qatari citizens which will develop tourism sector in Pakistan. She said that Qatar has removed the ban on Pakistani rice which is good news for rice exporters and economy of the country. Earlier, Dr Awan said Pakistan and Qatar agreed to take steps to enhance the bilateral cooperation in various sectors, adding that the government is taking steps to make the country investors friendly.
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The government is going to launch a new media advertising policy to make it compatible with the modern requirements. She said all the stakeholders will be consulted for preparation of the policy. The special assistant said that changes will be introduced in the role of the advertising agencies. She said the government is taking measures to resolve issues of the owners of media houses so that the media workers are not affected and are paid salaries timely. Dr Awan said that the government will make efforts to create a comfort zone for the media industry in order to ensure a conducive environment for media workers.
The special assistant said the Prime Minister considers media as a bridge to convey the vision and narrative of the government to the people.
She said that the government is committed to resolving all the problems of the media industry by engaging with them. She said that the government desires to prepare a long-term roadmap with the media industry through mutual consultations. Dr Awan said that social media is an effective tool to disseminate information in today’s modern era, adding that the government will frame a new social media policy.
The special assistant said that fake news is a big challenge and the media organisations should support the government in checking this trend. Earlier today, Dr Awan confirmed via a tweet that the murderer of 10-year-old-girl Farishta, who was killed allegedly after rape, has been arrested. She said this is Naya Pakistan under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan where writ and applicability of law as well as stability of institutions are being ensured.
The special assistant also appreciated the Islamabad Police for arresting the suspect of the despicable incident. She said that the police should continue to work with the same spirit and professionalism for the sense of security amongst the masses. She said that this will also build confidence of masses in the police. Dr Awan said that giving exemplary punishment to the culprits of such detestable acts gives a new life to society and helps avert such incidents in future.