KARACHI, 18 DEC (DNA) – US Consulate General Karachi donated three computer, network and printer systems and software to the Karachi Press Club.

The Consulate gave the equipment to the Club to support Karachi-based journalists in their day-to-day reporting.  “The media plays a very important role in a free society,” said U.S. Consul General Brian Heath.

 “Journalists in Pakistan face challenging and dangerous conditions. That is why I wanted to come here today to express my gratitude and appreciation for all of your hard work and dedication.” The U.S. government, said the U.S. Consul General, has worked with many Pakistani journalists through its journalism exchange and training programs.

“The U.S. State Department is investing $4 million to fund the establishment of the Center for Excellence in Journalism at Karachi’s Institute of Business Administration,” said Mr. Heath. “The Center is dedicated to providing journalism training to support the professional development of Pakistan’s journalists.

This year, the U.S. government sent journalists from VSH TV and KTN TV to the United States for several weeks to cover U.S. news stories. In addition, the U.S. government paid for 11 Pakistani media professionals from Sindh and Balochistan to travel to the United States to participate in journalism programs on Internet freedom, human rights, security and safety, and social responsibility.

While at the Karachi Press Club, Pakistan’s oldest press club, the U.S. Consul General also met with Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili and board members. DNA