Pakistan's state-run media to enjoy "complete editorial independence": new information minister

Pakistan's new government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan has "lifted all political censorship" in the state-run media outlets, Information Minister Chaudhary Fawad Hussain claimed today.

Promising "visible and drastic changes" in the Ministry of Information within the next three months, the minister said new instructions have been issued to state-run institutions like Pakistan Television and Radio Pakistan for "complete editorial independence".

The new direction was "in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan", he said.

He said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government has "lifted all political censorship" in the state-run media outlets.

The minister said that the Pakistan Television (PTV) and Radio Pakistan will now enjoy complete editorial independence over the content they produce.

"As per vision of @ImranKhanPTI Ended political censorship on PTV, clear instructions issued for a complete editorial independence on PTV and Radio Pakistan, drastic changes ll be visible in Information Dept in coming 3 months Inshallah," Hussain tweeted.

The new information minister also proposed introducing an English-language channel of radio on the internet, particularly for international audience, Geo News reported.

He asked the Information Ministry to play a proactive role in promoting a positive image of Pakistan globally, and directed concerned organisations to make efforts to generate revenue by improving their programming and content.

Cricketer-turned-politician Khan was sworn-in as the 22nd prime minister of Pakistan on August 18.

Khan in his first address to the nation on Sunday had promised wide-ranging reforms in government institutions with a view to make them independent and free from corruption.