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Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon visited the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday and met its office-bearers and senior journalists.
Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jameeli and Secretary General Aslam Khan welcomed Memon. Senior journalist Mazhar Abbas and other office-bearers also attended the meeting.
During the visit, Memon listened to journalists’ concerns and assured them that the government would address their issues.
Later, he attended a luncheon hosted by the Karachi Press Club.
Speaking to the media, Memon thanked the Karachi Press Club for inviting him and Information Department officials.
The meeting covered several issues facing journalists, according to the minister.
Memon said the Pakistan Peoples Party had supported press freedom and journalists’ welfare. He also credited former president Asif Ali Zardari with playing a role in these areas.
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Describing journalists and political parties as important parts of the democratic system, Memon said both groups have a role in strengthening democracy.
He also said the PPP had supported journalists during difficult periods. His remarks referred to the political careers of Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari.
Under the Sindh Vision initiative, the provincial government plans programmes in Tharparkar and Sukkur in November.
Officials have tentatively proposed November 15 to 17 for the programme, according to Memon. However, the dates may change because of prevailing circumstances and other engagements.
A ceremony and a Press Club programme will take place in Sukkur under the initiative.
Organisers also plan to invite journalists from across Pakistan. The programme aims to bring journalists together in Sukkur.
Memon said the project to construct 2.1 million houses had received international appreciation.
Sindh’s public-private partnership projects had also secured positions among global rankings, he claimed. Several provincial projects had further entered the Guinness World Records, according to the minister.
The Sindh government wants to introduce more international-standard projects and events, Memon said.
Meanwhile, authorities are considering a state-of-the-art stadium in Sukkur. The proposed project could include private-sector participation and sponsorship.
The government is promoting government-to-government cooperation and other partnerships for national development, Memon said.
Pakistan needs foreign investment and modern technology, according to the minister. He added that authorities were taking steps to attract international companies and investment.
Memon called for national cooperation to support economic development.
He also urged citizens to reject negative attitudes and promote unity. Collective efforts, he said, can help the country address its challenges.
According to Memon, hostile forces are attempting to create unrest and terrorism in Pakistan.
For the minister, national unity remains important in the fight against terrorism.
He called for collective efforts to protect the country’s security and support development.
During the question-and-answer session, Memon discussed transport projects in Karachi.
The Sindh government continues to take measures to improve public transport facilities, he said. The Transport Department is also working on several initiatives.
University Road remains an important route in Karachi, according to Memon. Authorities are taking steps to improve traffic flow along the road.
Work on the ongoing University Road project is also continuing.
Before fully reopening the road, officials are following the required procedures, Memon said. He acknowledged the difficulties citizens face because of the construction work.
Commercial traffic on University Road has almost returned to normal, he added.
The Mausamiyat Flyover would also open shortly, according to the minister.
Memon urged people to avoid spreading unverified information.
Accurate information remains necessary for the public, particularly about transport projects and government measures, he said.
He also called for responsible reporting on development projects and public facilities.
Responding to a question about the PPP’s long march, Memon said the protest focused on inflation and public issues.
The march began in Karachi and passed through several cities, according to the minister.
Memon described the demonstration as a peaceful political struggle. He said political workers have a democratic right to protest.
At the same time, he urged political workers to remain peaceful during demonstrations.
Protesters should also consider the difficulties faced by Karachi residents, Memon said. He noted that the city already has limited road options.
The government must protect people and property during protests, he added.
Memon said political workers have the right to protest. However, he stressed that no one can take the law into their own hands.
Authorities would not allow arson, vandalism or the use of weapons during protests, he said.
Political leaders should guide their workers through legal and democratic channels, according to Memon.
Citizens and political workers can also approach courts to resolve their disputes.
If protesters resort to violence or armed activity, the government will take action, he warned.
Asked about a reported meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Memon referred to reports based on unnamed sources.
He said the reported meeting had not been officially confirmed.
An official meeting would normally generate an official report or photograph, Memon added.
Memon described recent terrorist incidents as a major challenge for Pakistan.
He recalled the killing of political workers and the 2014 Army Public School tragedy in Peshawar.
Pakistani security forces continue to conduct operations against terrorism, he said.
Memon also praised the role of state institutions and the armed forces in counterterrorism efforts.
Finally, he called for unity among citizens and institutions to address security challenges.
