First International Punjabi Newspaper launched

Ludhiana, Oct 5 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has called upon the media to accord priority to safeguarding national and social interests while covering controversial issues and refrain from sensationalisation of news.

Mr. Badal was addressing a gathering on the occasion of launching the first International Punjabi Newspaper "Desh Videsh Times" at Guru Nanak Bhawan here today.

The newspaper was already being published from Canada for the last 8 years.

The Chief Minister said that the media should focus on constructive criticism of the working of Governments as it played a crucial role in the formulation of policies and programmes by highlighting major problems faced by people.

The chief minister also urged the media to raise social issues and educate the masses on importance of peace and communal harmony.

Mr. Badal also suggested that the ruling and opposition parties come on a common platform to chalk out consensus programmes to tackle the major national issues like poverty, terrorism, illiteracy and unemployment among others.

He expressed hope that the international paper will play a vital role in highlighting the problems of NRIs and their families and also promote interests of Punjab and Punjabiat.

Mr. Mohinder Singh Kaypee, President PPCC while congratulating the management urged them to adopt an impartial line and give due coverage to all parties.

Speaking on the occasion, Harjinder Singh Sidhu, Chairman Desh Videsh Times Trust assured the leaders that the newspaper would give factual and impartial coverage and would pay special attention to raising social problems.

UNI JN BK1752