‘Media should have right to official information’
* Justice Allah Nawaz hails media for exposing corruption of politicians, judges
LAHORE: Speakers at a seminar, “Media role in current crisis in Pakistan”, lauded the media revolution in the country and emphasised the need for maintaining its independence and financial autonomy.
Recognising the power of the media as the fourth pillar of the state, the participants stressed the need for a responsible media role to educate and unite the people to fight political polarisation, economic crisis and security issues. The people should also strengthen the hands of the armed forces to fight and win the psychological warfare against terrorists and a trend of frightening ‘Breaking News’ should be discouraged. The seminar was presided over by former Lahore High Court chief justice Mian Allah Nawaz and addressed by media experts, academicians, defence analysts and civil society representatives.
In his presidential address, the retired chief justice paid tribute to the media for expressing freely the public sentiments and exposing the corruption of politicians, judges and generals, which was unthinkable a few years ago. He referred to US president Jefferson’s quotation that freedom of expression was meaningless without access to information. He said that the Pakistani media should also have the right to the government information and documents in the public interest.
He suggested that media should telecast the working of the lower and superior judiciary, which would help in bringing a rapid change in the destiny of the downtrodden people. Altaf Hassan Qureshee, the Pakistan Institute of National Affairs (PINA) secretary general, appreciated the role of media in creating awareness among the masses about corruption, nepotism and high handedness of the ruling elite.
He stated that the US was trying to destabilise the country’s institutions and isolate the armed forces from the public support. He pointed out that the nation was passing through a crisis-like situation and it was the responsibility of the media to infuse spirit of hope and determination in the people enabling them to face challenges with courage and conviction. Prof Shabbir Ahmad Khan of the West Virginia University highlighted the elements of ethics and self-accountability in the US media, which contributed towards a society based on law and principles. He proposed training for the media anchors so that they maintain balance in talk shows.
Maj Gen (r) Muhammad Javed termed the media as a vehicle for change, which could educate and reform society. He called upon the media, intelligentsia, political and religious leadership to develop consensus on the fundamental issues to achieve the national objectives.
Brig (r) Farooq Hameed Khan paid tribute to the media for exposing mega corruption and creating awareness in the people for accountability at all levels, which had generated true pressure on the government to deliver.
Aleena Tiwana urged the media to help transform Pakistanis into a strong nation and a vibrant civil society. She highlighted the need for a code of conduct to avoid showing frightening images and gory scenes on TV channels.
Miranda Hussain, a journalist, stated that the media, which was an industry should not allow itself to become politicised and its primary function should be to provide information. Brig (r) Imran Malik said that Pakistan was in a state of war and its success required a well-planned psychological warfare, which should be fought by the media in coordination with the army.
Rauf Tahir, Irshad Hussain Arif, Salamn Abid, Col (r) ZI Farrukh, Engr Anwar Hussain Mujahid and Naheed Tahir also spoke on the occasion.
Source: Daily Times
Date:7/22/2011
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