Friendship with China a key component of Pakistan’s foreign policy: Shehbaz Sharif

Gwadar Pro

Lahore: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has told the country’s top editors that friendship with China was a key component of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Speaking to a delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE), the Prime Minister also assured that journalists would be provided with all possible protection against unwarranted actions.

The PM, who took over last month, maintained that he was committed to expedite work on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

The Prime Minister also expressed his resolve to effectively work over the CPEC and Riko Diq projects for the national interest.

The PM reaffirmed to maintain ties with all the friendly nations and other countries on basis of mutual respect and mutual interests.

He reiterated that the government had no intention to put any restriction on freedom of media and expression.

Praising the CPNE role for the freedom of media, strengthening of democracy, and evolution of democratic institutions in the country, the prime minister said that the government was keen to engage constructively with the CPNE and other media representative bodies for the protection of the rights of journalists and promotion of responsible journalism in the country.

The PM mentioned that the government was taking all possible measures to ensure power generation and its supply, so that public woes could be addressed.

The PM stressed for unity to resolve the current economic challenges for the welfare of the people and warned that holding of march, in this situation, amounted to uncalled for and creation of fissures among the nation.

He observed that electoral reforms will be carried out before holding of transparent general elections in the country.

During the meeting, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, Secretary Information Shahera Shahid, Principal Information Officer Mobashir Hasan and other officials were present.

CPNE delegation included president Kazim Khan, senior vice president Ayaz Khan, vice president Punjab Irshad Ahmad Arif, Secretary General Aamir Mahmood and other members.