Islamabad rendezvous: PBA voices concern over foreign funding to some channels | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Islamabad rendezvous: PBA voices concern over foreign funding to some channels

Pakistan Press Foundation

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) has expressed its concern over the “funding of some media channels through dubious, untaxed and unverified foreign money”.

A PBA delegation – headed by Chairman Mian Aamer Mehmood and Secretary General Shakeel Masud Hussain – communicated this concern to Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan during a meeting on Monday. The meeting also discussed progress over probe into the Axact scandal and various cases that have adversely affected Pakistan’s image abroad.

The two sides also discussed matters of national importance, issues related to media industry and role of media towards safeguarding national and security interests.

The minister observed that there would be no comprise on anything affecting the image of the country or violating the law of the land. “Efforts are under way to ensure that independent media progress and prosper in an open and transparent manner,” he said.facilitate the progress of an independent media that “served as strength not only to the nation, but also to democracy and the rule of law in the country”.

He said: “Media must play its role and utilise its immense power to further national interests, safeguard our social and religious values and prove itself to be a bulwark against the tide of extremism, fanaticism and the mayhem which is often created in the name of the freedom of expression.”

The minister appreciated “the important role that media has played” especially towards rejection of terrorist narrative and promoting unity and oneness of the nation in the fight against militancy.

Talking about the national narrative against extremism and militant mindset, he urged the media to play its role towards projecting this national narrative.

Nisar said he would hold a meeting with all representative bodies of the media – including the All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS), the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) and the PBA on Tuesday (today) for evolving a consensus policy for safeguarding national security interests.

“I am looking forward to this meeting for an open and frank discussion on all relevant issues in order to provide optimum conducive working environment for independent media to flourish and prosper,” he added.

The Express Tribune

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