PAKISTAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ISLAMABAD (PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT) Press release Islamabad (May 8, 2020): Minister of Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz says Radio Pakistan will be developed on modern lines to enhance the effectiveness of this important medium of mass communication and restore it to its previous glory. He gave the remarks during a visit to Radio Pakistan's Headquarters in Islamabad on Friday. He was also accompanied by Secretary Information and Broadcasting Akbar Hussain Durrani. The Minister said the role of radio has assumed special significance during the Covid-19 pandemic due to its mass reach and access to every nook and corner of the country. The Minister visited various sections of Radio Pakistan including News, Programme, and Archives. Director General PBC Ambreen Jan gave briefing to the Minister on working and role of various departments of Radio Pakistan. Upgradation and digitization of existing transmitters of PBC was also discussed. The Minister directed the Information Secretary to expedite the process of modernizing existing AM transmitters of 100 and 400 KW on DRM in the first phase. The Minister highly appreciated Saut ul Quran channel of Radio Pakistan for its religious services to the people. Later, exclusively talking to Radio Pakistan's News and Current Affairs Channel, the Minister said he has special affinity with Radio Pakistan as his father and prominent Urdu poet Ahmad Faraz had also started his career from this premium institution. He said Radio Pakistan is endowed with rich past, heritage, and traditions and we will try to rebuild the institution on these values. The Minister said he will try to help regain radio its past glory. He said Radio Pakistan will be enabled to help produce artists and productions of world fame, which used to be its hallmark. He said rich culture, history and national identity of the country will be promoted through Radio Pakistan. Referring to prevalent situation of corona pandemic, Shibli Faraz said the announcement of Prime Minister Imran Khan to relax lockdown in a phased manner was aimed at helping daily wagers earn their livelihood. He said the country was facing coronavirus on one hand and hunger from lockdown on the other and a balance was necessary. He said the government wants to create equilibrium between the life and economic necessities. He appealed the people to strictly follow SOPs including wearing masks and social distancing to stop spread the virus. Minister has also talked with FM 101 and expressed his strong resolve to make radio Pakistan one of the leading institution of the country. Ch.Zamir Ashraf ,Head (P&PR) 0300-6204515 .