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forward: Marriyum Aurangzeb ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 02nd Nov, 2016 ) : Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb Wednesday said all political forces as well as institutions should play their role for taking the country forward on the path of development.

"The journey of country's development and economic uplift that started over three years back should continue," she told APP in her maiden media-interaction, after taking oath of her office here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

The minister said there was a need for everyone to play a positive role, as Pakistan was passing through a defining moment of its history. She said owing to the government's prudent policies, the country has realized significant economic uplift and terrorism has been tackled effectively with 85 percent decrease in terrorist incidents.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said the government's agenda of development in diverse areas including health, education, infrastructure as well as financial reforms was putting the country in the right direction.

"All political forces and institutions should play their role in this regard," she added. The minister of state said, with the country being retrieved from the menace of terrorism, the government was now focussing on reviving the confidence of investors and protecting national interests.

To a question, she said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif believed in the freedom of media, and she would take his policy forward. She, however, added that media should also play its responsible role while following their code of conduct.

The minister said the government was also committed to the welfare and protection of journalist community. She thanked the prime minister for reposing confidence in her.