ISLAMABAD, May 24 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that strong and vibrant media of the Muslim countries was essential to project the image of Islam and counter propaganda of Western media.

She said this while talking to the Editor in Chief Arabic daily Okaz, says a press release received here from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Minister said that in media information technology it required that Muslim countries should have their own strong voice to be aired.She said that strong voice of the Muslim countries on pattern of BBC or CNN was necessary to guide and engage our youth and to project the true image of Islam.

Dr.Firdous Ashiq said that such a media voice would prove very helpful to guide the youth, create awareness and bridging the gap between the societies, cultures and faiths.

She said that strong and vibrant media in the Muslim countries would also be helpful for women empowerment and strengthening people to people relations between the Muslim countries.

The Minister said that the killing of Saudi diplomat in Karachi was sad incident which intended to drive wedge between the two fraternal countries but the enemy will never succeed in his designs.

She said that Pak-Saudi relations are special, time tested and beyond mundane consideration.
She lauded and thanked the Saudi leadership for assisting Pakistan during difficult time.

Later on, the Minister in her address to Pakistani community in Jeddah said that Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia were making valuable contributions towards the economies of Saudi Arabia as well as Pakistan.

She said that their remittances are great support to their families and the economy of Pakistan.
She said that it was matter of great satisfaction that a large number of Pakistani investors, professionals, and labour community were working over here who were source of strength for the economies of the both countries.

The Minister said that Pak-Saudi relations have their roots in history, religion and culture. She said that the purpose of her visit was to strengthen relations between the two countries especially in the fields of information and culture.

She said that she was grateful to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Saudi leadership for providing congenial atmosphere and working condition for the Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia.

The Minister said that democracy in Pakistan was gaining strength and the country’s leadership was in strong hands.
She assured to the overseas Pakistanis that the economic and energy problems, confronting Pakistan would soon be overcome.

She urged the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia to abide by the laws of the land and work hard for the betterment of the economies of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The Minister said that a girl college, women transport service, s stadium and IT Complex and a 100-bed Sweet Home for orphans were going to be established in Sialkot.

Pakistan Consul General, Abdul Salik Khan in his address to the Pakistani community said that the visit of the Information Minister would strengthen relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

He said that Pak-Saudi relations were of special nature. He urged the community members to work hard for the economies of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and abide by the laws of the Saudi Arabia.

The Minister was also visited Al-Faislia Culture Charitable Society for Women.
She visited various sections of the Society and appreciated its philanthropic activities.

Talking to the hosts, the Minister said that Charity and philanthropic work has great importance in Islam.
She also apprised them about the charity and philanthropic organizations in Pakistan.

Source: ftpapp.app.com.pk