Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Sing Badal today called upon all the political parties to sink the differences and work cohesively for the welfare and development of the state instead of criticising each other just to gain political mileage, which was absolutely unwarranted but also against the moral values and ethics of a healthy democracy. Addressing a galaxy of eminent persons from print & visual media besides noted personalities from different walks of life on the formal launch of ‘The Sunday Guardian’- a weekly newspaper to be published from Chandigarh, here at function in a private hotel, Badal congratulated its Editor-in Chief M.J. Akbar, one of the world’s most celebrated journalists, and his team for this unique initiative. Badal asked the media persons to discharge their duties with utmost sincerity, dedication, honesty and professional commitment, since they were the upholders of the fourth estate and watchdog of democracy. He also urged the media to exercise restraint while reporting certain sensitive issues so that the national security, harmony and amity of the country was not threatened.Seeking cooperation from the media in highlighting the developmental activities and policies of the Government, Badal said media also owe a moral duty towards society to keep the public informed about the pro-people policies and programs of the Government in a right perspective so as to benefit the common man at the grass root level. He also reminded how the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have fought long battles and suffered many hardships, including remaining in jail cells in sub human conditions, merely to ensure the freedom of expression for our people. He said, “Media not only acts as a watch dog but even helps the society and the governments in setting the political, social, economic, educational and cultural agenda for the state and the country”. He reiterated that media should play a constructive and far more pro-active role in promoting the communal harmony and national integration besides moulding the public opinion on vital socio-cultural issues.The Chief Minister made his firm resolve that the Punjab government was committed to respect and safeguard the independence of the media all cost.Earlier, In his welcome address Editor-in-Chief of ‘The Sunday Guardian’ said that since the Chandigarh was now emerging as the socially, culturally, emotionally and economically advanced city in the country and it would now soon become the media hub as several prestigious National and Regional Newspapers have already established their presence here. He hoped that the Chandigarh Edition of Sunday Guardian would play an instrumental role in the development and promotion of healthy journalism in the northern region.Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included; Punjab Governor Shivraj V.Patil, Haryana Governor Jagannath Pahadia and Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.