Proactive approach urged to counter foreign media propaganda
ISLAMABAD, August 24 2006: Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani on Wednesday (Aug 23) underlined the need for adopting a proactive approach to counter negative foreign media propaganda. Addressing the first three-day international conference of press officers posted abroad, organised by the External Publicity Wing, the minister said in today’s world, media diplomacy has become vital for the State.
“Unfortunately for in last few years Pakistan attracted overwhelmingly disproportionate attention of international media for radiating a wide array of negative and troubling impulses on several issues of considerable concern in the West. Instead of reacting to negative publicity in foreign media, there is a need to pre-empt adverse stories and comments in the international media on various issues, such as terrorism, fundamentalism, democracy, issues concerning human rights, women rights, honour killings etc,” Senator Durrani said.
As media diplomats, press officers are the eyes and ears of the government abroad, he said, emphasising that this event was the need of the hour for developing a consensus, a spirit of coordination and a will to work resolutely in the face of all the hurdles and challenges. Durrani urged the press officers to effectively interact with local media of the country of their postings and mobilise think tanks, scholars, opinion makers and academicians. “The role of Pakistani and Muslim community cannot be over-emphasised in this regard,” he said. “You should stress the positive aspects of Pakistan – economic growth, potential for foreign investment, growth of cultural activities and empowerment of women and minorities.”
He said: “Today, we are confronted with the menace of terrorism, which has seriously damaged the social fabric of our society and our national image abroad. No doubt terrorism is a global phenomenon affecting directly or indirectly every continent and region. But, we are fighting it as a frontline state. Pakistan has done more than any one else to fight terrorism. As a matter of policy, we condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and we are committed to eliminating this vice.”
Durrani asked the press officers to operate in a new paradigm, which has emerged as a global necessity. He also called for promoting inter-faith harmony and inter-civilisation dialogue at the global level. “The present government is working towards this end.”
The minister said the government has taken a number of measures for the socio-economic development of the Pakistani society. “Pakistan is making progress and we are working hard with all sincerity. Pakistan of today and tomorrow is not the Pakistan of yesterday and we have to project this reality by working even harder to attain a significant place among the comity of nations,” he emphasised.
Durrani said President Musharraf has put forth the concept of enlightened moderation, which is a way forward for the whole Muslim world. He asked the press officers to make the media in their area of posting more sensitive in defining and projecting this concept of enlightened moderation.
He added media enjoys an unprecedented freedom in the country. “Both print and electronic media have complete freedom and the credit for this goes to President Musharraf,” he added. The minister hoped the conference will help further infuse the vigour to work hard with a sense of direction in order to achieve goals and objectives.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Information Tariq Azeem said a broad-based media strategy is essential to combat propaganda against national interests and to influence public opinion in the Western countries.
Source: The News
Date:8/24/2006
” 
” 
” 
” 
