ANKARA, 13 October 2011: Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan currently visiting Turkey had a breakfast meeting with senior journalists at Ankara today and briefed them about latest situation in Pakistan and the region. Dr. Firdous emphasized on the need of media exchange programme in both the public and private sectors which she said will not only promote bilateral relations between the two countries but also provide an opportunity to learn from each other’s best practices and experiences.
“Pakistani society is very tolerant and enlightened, but unfortunately true image of the country is not depicted in the media” the Minister said. She said Pakistan is committed to bring peace and stability in the region. Responding to a question regarding the role of Pakistan in war on terror, Dr. Firdous said “Pakistan is and shall remain the part of solution, not part of the problem.” This is evident from the sacrifices by the people and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan, she added.
Regarding creating better understanding between the people of the two brotherly countries, the visiting Minister proposed teaching both Turkish and Urdu languages by the colleges and universities of the respective countries. She proposed this could be achieved by offering incentives such as scholarships, stipends, internship, etc.
The audience were showed a documentary on 2011 floods and the Minister requested them to mobilize the Turkish people and the civil society to help the floods affectees.