KARACHI, Dec 3 (APP): Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb Saturday said the film production and broadcasting industry played a vital role in highlighting, and in many cases, determining the culture and values of a society.

It had the power to challenge social taboos, give voice to the weak and disenfranchised, and bring people together, or it could promote messages of division, create more barriers and bring discord in social and political discord, she added.

“It is, therefore, incumbent upon us to invest not only resources to develop the infrastructure but also time to develop ideas and concepts that can help our society to progress and think,” she said while speaking as chief guest here at an entertainment and production conference ‘Focus 16’, organized by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).

The minister said there was a need to revive the regional and local theatre and films across Pakistan as it helped raise voice for the deprived segments of the society and discuss various issues.

The federal government, she said, realised the national responsibility towards creating an enabling environment for provincial, regional and local industry development in the country.

She said the prime minister was keen to revitilize film, broadcasting, production industry and would share his vision of revival at the meeting
of Council of Common Interests where all the provinces could formulate a joint strategy for the purpose.

The minister said a national artists convention would be organized in Islamabad where the prime minister would announce a national art fund through which assistance would be extended to the needy artists, besides it would also be utilized for hunting new talent.

She said in accordance with the 18th Constitutional Amendment, censorship policy’s rights were also devolved to the provinces.

She said the film production was not the job of the government, however, it could extend assistance to those who produced films.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said she had come here not only here for the inaugural session of the two-day conference but would also attend its sessions on both the days.

Speaking on the occasion, prominent artist and organizer of the conference, Ms Atiqa Odho appreciated the FPCCI for holding ‘Focus 16’ saying it was the first moot of its kind, which would help project the soft image of Pakistan at international level.

Prominent businessman and FPCCI office bearer Khalid Tawwab said the business and entertainment went hand in hand and that was the reason the FPCCI had organized the very conference.

He further pointed out that the conference would be organized every year.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 3 (APP): Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz Saturday arrived in Amritsar, India, to attend a two-day key meet of the Heart of Asia.

Upon his arrival, he was received by Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit and Joint Secretary of Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Sartaj Aziz also sent a bouquet to Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at her residence, extending his sincere good wishes for her full and speedy recovery.

The Adviser will represent Pakistan in the conference with focus on regional cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours and the efforts for durable peace in the war-ravaged country.

In the evening, Sartaj Aziz also attended a dinner hosted for the visiting dignitaries at a heritage village, named ‘Sadda Pind’ or ‘our village’, located on the outskirts of Amritsar.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani also attended the dinner hosted by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

Sartaj Aziz shook hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
On Sunday, the Indian Prime Minister and Afghan President will jointly inaugurate the conference, being attended by around 40 foreign ministers and dignitaries of 14 participating countries.

The two-day Heart of Asia (HoA) Summit is scheduled in Indian city of Amritsar.

The HoA initiative was launched in 2011 with the objective to boost economic and security cooperation. Its members included Afghanistan, Pakistan Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates.

The Heart of Asia Process initiative has the support of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Finland, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Britain and the United States.

KARACHI, Dec 3 (APP): Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Ms Marriyum Aurangzeb Saturday said the federal government would celebrate Quaid-i-Azam Week from December 19 to 25 in connection with the upcoming birth anniversary of the Founder of the Nation.

She was talking to the media here after laying a wreath and offering Fateha at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The minister said during the week, special programmes would be organized in academic institutions as well as other organizations to apprise the younger generation about different aspects of the Quaid’s personality and achievements.

She said by following the Quaid’s principles of ‘faith, unity and discipline’, “we can achieve national targets for the betterment of the country as well as its people.”

She said the present government would carry out census in the country and a strategy in that regard had already been chalked out by the federal government in the beginning of current year.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the National Action Plan (NAP) was for the entire country. Because of the NAP and the positive policies adopted by the present government, there had been a marked improvement in the law and order situation.

Replying to a question, she said Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had entered into practical politics and that was a good omen.

The minister said instead of talking about the personality of Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, his performance should be discussed.

He had played a very important role in the war against terror, she added.

She said the government had always consulted all the political parties on the NAP as well as the Karachi operation.

The minister on the occasion recorded her impressions in the Visitors’ Book paying rich tribute to the great Quaid.

Earlier, Marriyum Aurangzeb inspected the work on the installation of a new chandelier at the mausoleum and met the Chinese engineers carrying out the work.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 3 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain on Saturday said it was the duty of every individual of the society to take care of the special persons, ensure their education and training and protect their rights.
He was speaking at a function held here at the auditorium of Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The President said December 3 was important in a way that on this day Pakistani nation joins the world’s voice in reiterating its commitment that in order to achieve sustainable development goals, special people would be considered as an effective segment of the society; they will never be treated with discrimination; their rights will never let to be usurped; and in this respect awareness will be created in the society.
“These children are not inferior from anyone in any way, and they are very loving and valuable part of our society. We love them, keep them close to our hearts, and are sincerely working for their full participation in the race of life.
Every day of our life is entrusted for this purpose,” he added.
The President said Pakistan was unique among those fortunate societies, where people extend their generous cooperation for the service of humanity a great cause.
He expressed his satisfaction over the fact that private sector was contributing a lot for the education and welfare of persons with disabilities.
The President appreciated all the institutions and their workers engaged in providing educational facilities to the special persons and children and hoped that they will continue to work for this noble cause with more dedication and skills.
He said, the role of government in this respect was more important due to the fact that various essential steps can be taken in the public sector, adding, various public sector special schools and rehabilitation centers were functioning at federal and provincial levels.
He, however, added that sincere participation of society was a must to supplement the government’s efforts.
The President while addressing the special children said, “You are important part of our society. Not only your parents, brothers and sisters, but the whole society loves you.”
“You should not consider yourselves inferior to anyone and believe that you can also get education like other children and achieve the highest positions,” he added.
The President also urged the parents of children with disabilities that they should take special care of their children with respect to their education, health, physical activities, entertainment and their rights etc.
Similarly, he said, it was also the duty of society to pay heed to the voice of special people and children and work with sincerity for the protection of their rights.
The President directed the relevant authorities to develop an Urdu software for the education of blind people and said the Presidency would extend every cooperation in this respect.
He also directed for the allocation of special allowance for the teachers of special educational institutions. He also directed the authorities concerned to ensure facilities for special persons at public places.
The President also assured job quota for special persons would be fully implemented.
He also visited the stalls of various goods prepared by special children and appreciated their skills.
Minister of State for Capital Administration Division (CAD), Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, President of the World Blind Cricket, Syed Sultan Shah and a special child student Muhammad Faraz also spoke on the occasion.
The whole proceedings of the event were also presented in the “signs language”.
At the conclusion, the President mixed up with the special children, lauded their performance, presented them shields and also had a group photo with them.
On this occasion, a special child presented a hand made portrait of President Mamnoon Hussain.
Colorful tableau and performance by the special children attracted huge applause from the participants.