ISLAMABAD, May 9 (INP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his government's pledge that friendship with China will remain a key component of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Speaking to a delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE), the Prime Minister also assured that journalists would be provided with all possible protection against unwarranted actions, Gwadar Pro reported on Monday.

The PM, who took over last month, maintained that he was committed to expediting the work on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

The Prime Minister also expressed his resolve to effectively work over CPEC and Reko Diq projects for the national interest.

The PM reaffirmed to maintain ties with all the friendly nations and other countries on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interests.

He reiterated that the government had no intention to put any restriction on freedom of media and expression.

Praising CPNE’s role for the freedom of media, strengthening of democracy, and evolution of democratic institutions in the country, the PM said that the government was keen to engage constructively with CPNE and other media representative bodies for the protection of the rights of journalists and promotion of responsible journalism in the country.

The PM mentioned that the government was taking all possible measures to ensure power generation and its supply, so that public woes could be addressed.

During the meeting, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, Secretary Information Shahera Shahid, Principal Information Officer Mobashir Hasan and other officials were present.