2013 general elections’ year: PM
KARACHI, Nov 10 (APP): Prime Minister Raja Pervez Asharaf on Saturday said 2013 is the year of general elections and expressed his confidence that these elections will not only nourish democracy but also lay the foundation for a sustainable political system in the country. Addressing the inaugral ceremony of the first 2-day convention of South Asia Photo Journalists Association (SAPA) and a photo exhibition here at Sadeqain Gallery Ferer Hall, he said that the government has been following this policy to combat all kinds of challenges in a bid to strengthen democracy in the country.
He said completion of tenure by the democratic government is surely a tribute to the vision of Shaheed Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto.
The event was jointly organized by SAPA and Pakistan Association of Photo Journalists (PAPJ).
Prime Minister Raja Pervez Asharaf said that media likes action and there is no better action than a general election.
“Those of you who know our history would appreciate the reconciliatory politics envisaged by Shaheed Mohtarma Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and implemented by President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari”, he added.Prime Minister Raja Pervez Asharaf said that being a student of politics for more than two decades, he acknowledges the role of media in the development of a country.
Media not only builds the image but also creates perceptions, he added.
He said the media also keeps the government in check by holding it accountable for its policies and measures.
He said media and governments always work for the common good of a society.
Their roles may differ sometimes, but their goal remains the same that is the collective well-being of the people, he added.
He said, “We believe that an independent and free media is essential for strengthening of democracy and institutions.”
Nations can only develop and progress when media is independent and plays its role freely, the Prime Minister added.
He said the government of Pakistan Peoples Party is committed to media freedom. The party struggled for media freedom and rendered sacrifices for this cause, he added.
Raja Pervez Asharaf said even the staunchest critics of his government would bear testimony to the fact that “We have shown great restraint and tolerance in the face of harshest criticism.”
He congratulated Pakistan Association of Photo Journalists (PAPJ) and all other organizations for hosting the event in this city.
He said the event not only presents a great opportunity for photojournalists within Pakistan to share their experiences and develop their skills but also highlights the imperative of facilitating more exchanges within the SAARC region and beyond.
The Prime Minister also mentioned a quote by James Nachtwey that “Photography can put a human face on a human situation that would otherwise remain abstract or merely statistical.”
“Photography can become part of our collective consciousness and our collective conscience. It is a way to remember history and try not to relive the mistakes of the past.”
He said “It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words.
This emphasizes the importance of photographs in dissemination of our messages.”
He said the role played by photographers and photo journalists in a society cannot be over emphasized.
“This is why this first Convention of South Asia Photo Journalists Society is so important and in my opinion marks a watershed in the promotion of photo journalism in our region,” he added.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the South Asia Photo Journalists Association (SAPA) will raise the standards of photo journalism in this region higher than ever by equipping photo journalists with state of the art techniques and craft.
“With its commitment to an ethical code of conduct for all its members, I can see a brighter future for the photo journalists of Pakistan and the SAARC countries and Pakistan”, he said.
He said that he can appreciate the immense power of the people sitting here.These are the people who paint us abroad.
With their powerful words and opinions on various issues, they influence the world opinion with the click of their cameras, he added.
The Prime Minister called upon the foreign delegates “to see and feel the soft side of our society, which has been grappling with challenges of terrorism and extremism for many years.”
“We are the victims of the terrorists and war on terrorism. But we are also the victim of the partial and one-sided media coverage,” he added.
He said “the negative media framing of our peace loving country and innocent people is no service to a nation that suffered a staggering loss of forty thousand lives which included its brave armed forces, law enforcement personnel and civilians.”
He suggested them to apply objectivity and neutrality, core principles of responsible journalism, in their coverage of Pakistan.
He said, “do not doubt our efforts as no other country has rendered so many sacrifices both in men and material as Pakistan has. Help us fight the common enemy, the enemy which challenges the very way of our life, our soul and our dreams,” he added.
He said the government would continue to support media freedom and facilitate media persons in the discharge of their duties.
Raja Pervez Ashraf said,”democratic government of Pakistan assures that we will go an extra mile to ensure your freedom.”
“We are committed to promote good working conditions for media persons and the media industry.”
He added the role of Information Ministry has transformed from being a regulator to a facilitator.
actually he says im going to vote Q league the fools chaudry brothers !
I was like 
the person i treat like him wise and think he was of good taste is actually not.
