Media can bring South Asian people closer, says Rashid
NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Tuesday the media can play a greater role in bringing the people of South Asia together and facilitating co-operation.
Addressing the third Meeting of Saarc Information Ministers here, he called for creating the right environment in which co-operation and development can flourish between the member states.
‘This would only be possible if determined efforts are made to resolve disputes and issues and not allow them to simmer”, said Sheikh Rashid.
He said Pakistan has been suggesting the broadening of the scope of Saarc’s areas of concern to permit consideration of political problems.
Sheikh Rashid said. “Close co-operation and development in a regional grouping can only work, when there is complete political harmony among its members. EU is developing a common defence and foreign policy, and Asean, too, has set up a political forum. However, we in Saarc are lagging behind.”
He said political and contentious issues have been excluded from the purview of Saarc’s constitution, adding though political issues are not taken up in official sessions of Saarc, the top leaders do meet informally, and many good beginnings have been achieved at such meetings.
The group of eminent persons (GEP)too, have recommended broadening Saarc’s terms of reference for better results.
He said, “Pakistan remains committed to the principles and purpose of Saarc and my delegation looks forward to making a positive contribution to the deliberations; of this conference”, adding: “We are within a few weeks of the next summit in Islamabad. Let us hope this conference will also contribute to the success of this summit for which the positive turn in relations between India and Pakistan is already a good augury.”
The information minister said he was representing Pakistan at a time when the prospects for peace and co-operation in the region appear encouraging.
“The confidence building; measures (CBMS) implemented by the nor- malisation process initiated by the two prime ministers earlier this years has contributed considerably towards improving the regional atmosphere.”
Sheikh Rashid said, “We are confident that the situation will further improve before the 1’?th Summit being hosted in Pakistan from January 4-6, 2004, Pakistan would continue to strive for peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes and issues through dialogue and constructive engagement.”
He said he has come to this meeting with an “open mind, high hopes and expectations in the field of information and media, there has been a meeting of minds. We all believe in the role and importance of the media in our lives as we are witnessing their impact on developed societies.”
Sheikh Rashid said, Pakistan’s public sector media; TV and Radio, are already finding common ground.
‘We have opened up electronic media to the private sector. Our print-media are in the vanguard of those advocating better under-standing and co-operation for development. However, there are limits to the contribution this field
can make to improving trust and confidence between member states because the media have to reflect the realities on the ground,” he added.
Source: Businessrecorder
Date:11/12/2003
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