PR. No.238/2008

Date: 01/08/2008    

FOREIGN MINISTER'S REMARK AT THE SAFMA CONFERENCE COLOMBO , 1ST AUGUST 2008

Excellencies, Foreign Ministers of SAARC Member States,

President SAFMA,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to address this august gathering of leading media representatives from South Asia .

At the outset, let me take this opportunity to congratulate SAFMA for arranging this event to deliberate on issues relating to media freedom and access to information in the SAARC region.

In today's “Information Age”, South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) is playing a useful role by contributing to promoting the universally accepted values of democratic polity, good governance and rule of law.

SAFMA is also contributing to social cohesion and regional integration in South Asia by promoting people to people contacts, social and cultural interactions, and networking among the various branches of the media in the region.

It is important that SAFMA continues this important role, within its mandate, by addressing the issues and challenges confronting our region today.

I understand that the Organization has established chapters across the region. It can use its region wide presence to spread the message of peace, mutual respect, tolerance and democracy. It could also help strengthen the bonds of historical and cultural affinities that define our region.

In Pakistan , we believe that freedom of press is the corner stone of democracy and helps form informed public opinion.

The elected government in Pakistan remains fully committed to strengthening media, allowing free flow of information, and facilitating growth and development of newspapers, periodicals, books and publications. We believe that a strong media will not only help political course corrections but also address the social dimension of governance, such as corruption, human rights violations, extremism, unemployment and illiteracy.

The role of organizations like SAFMA would remain pivotal in building bridges of understanding and confidence among the people of South Asia .

I wish SAFMA every success in their endeavours.

Islamabad

01 August 2008