Staff Reporter
Islamabad: Media should serve the nation by playing its role with honesty and responsibility, this was stated by newly appointed Federal Secretary for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Syed Imran Gardezi during his visit to the office of Pakistan Group of Newspapers and Roze News on Sunday. Upon his arrival at the office he was welcomed by Editor in Chief of Pakistan Group of Newspapers and Chairman Roze News Sardar Khan Niazi.
Later the newly appointed federal secretary information held an informal one on one session with Sardar Khan Niazi to discuss issues of mutual interest. During his informal discussion with Sardar Khan Niazi, Imran Gardezi said that media is a powerful tool and if used effectively it could quash propaganda against the state and the country’s institutions. He said that he has spent a long time with friends in the media industry and expressed hope that the media industry will always prioritize and protect the interest of the country.
It is pertinent to mention that since his appointment as the Federal Secretary for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, the visit to the office of Pakistan Group of Newspapers and Roze News was the first visit of Syed Imran Gardezi to any media house. The Federal Secretary visited the office of Pakistan Group of Newspapers and Roze News after his appointment but before taking charge. It would be an injustice not to mention the fact that in the past after assuming charge as the Principal Information Officer (PIO) Syed Imran Gardezi visited the office of Pakistan Group of Newspapers before visiting any other media house.
During yesterday’s visit Gardezi also lauded Roze News and Pakistan Group of Newspapers for setting an example for other media houses by making and implementing a code of conduct. He expressed hope that other media groups will also follow the example of Roze News and Pakistan Group of Newspapers by implementing code of conducts. He added that by implementing the code of conduct the group has cemented its place as one of the most responsible and patriotic media houses in the country.
Imran Gardezi has previously served in Pakistani Missions as Press Minister in Washington, New York and Press Secretary to the Prime Minister and Principal Information Officer (PIO). Before his appointment as the Federal Secretary Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Gardezi was working as the director general of the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation. He has also served as a Director General of the External Publicity Wing of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Gardezi is also a recipient of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) Public Relations Award (1999-2000) and is regarded as a close friend of the media.
