Pakistan Is A Modern Democratic State: Chaudhry Fawad Hussain

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said on Thursday that Pakistan was a modern democratic state where judiciary was independent, civil society highly vibrant and media pro-actively playing role of a watchdog.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Oct, 2018 ) :Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said on Thursday that Pakistan was a modern democratic state where judiciary was independent, civil society highly vibrant and media pro-actively playing role of a watchdog.

He stated this during a meeting with Annika Ben David, Ambassador of Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who called on him here along with Ambassador of Sweden, Ingrid Johansson.

He said that current dispensation believed in freedom of expression and highly valued human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan. He said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Sweden as they were based on commonality of views and shared interest of democratic pluralism.

The minister said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had always referred Scandinavia as a model in regards to establishment of welfare state, so Pakistan would like to learn from Scandinavian system of governance, particularly in the areas of local government.

He said that PTI was the only political party which vigorously raised its voice on important subject of environment. He said that Prime Minister's initiative on Clean and Green Pakistan was aimed at provision of clean drinking water, clean environment and proper sanitation.

Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said that northern areas of Pakistan were epitome of natural beauty and out of ten top mountain peaks of the world, eight were located in northern Pakistan.

He also invited Swedish filmmakers to shoot scenic beauty of the area.

He said that media enjoyed unprecedented freedom in Pakistan and the government would continue to support the growth of free and independent media in Pakistan. He said that security situation in the country had been remarkably improved due to Pakistan Army's operation in the troubled areas and terrorism had been checked in its tracks.

Due to improved security situation, the people including media persons feel more secure and business and investment environment have also gained momentum, he added.

He said that Right to Information Act had been implemented and whistle blower act was being formulated as the government believed in openness and transparency in affairs of the governance.

Annika Ben David said that Sweden highly regarded the values of democracy and human rights and would like to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in these areas. She said that Sweden was keen to further strengthen its trade ties with Pakistan and promote business contacts between the two countries. She also appreciated the increased women participation in various fields and said that gender equality had benefitted the whole society. She also congratulated the minister on assuming his office and extended her best wishes for all his future endeavours.