Zahid Malik underlines media’s vital role in dispelling unfounded fears
Islamabad–President Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) and Editor-in- Chief Pakistan Observer, Mr. Zahid Malik has urged media particularly editors and anchorpersons to dispel unfounded fears and perceptions being spread by certain vested interests about Pakistan’s future.
He was addressing a seminar organized by the NPC here Tuesday on vital issues and challenges being faced by Pakistan.
He said the anchorpersons and analysts participating in television programmes should be conscious of their responsibility towards the nation and they should present realistic and unbiased picture of the prevailing circumstances. They should not fall prey to vested interests who have their own agenda.
He reminded the media that nations have confronted much worse situations than Pakistan but they overcame them through determination and faith in their destinies. Pakistan, he said, has vast potential to emerge as a prosperous country as envisioned by its founder, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Mr. Zahid Malik criticized those who are preaching pessimism and causing demoralization in the people. “Media can play a very significant role in preserving morale of the people and igniting their spirit to meet all sorts of challenges.” He said, the people at large have never lost their faith the destiny of the nation.
The NPC President said, he firmly believed that Pakistan would come out of the current difficult situation as it had in the past. “A positive change will come and all fears will evaporate. There should be no cause for despondency and the nation needs to keep up its faith and hope regarding the bright future of the country.” He urged the media persons and intellectuals to highlight the potential of the country and resilience of its great people.
Addressing the seminar Lt. General retired Talat Masood cited examples of China and Vietnam who achieved remarkable successes in overcoming most trying circumstances.
He said there are examples of Malaysia and Singapore which reached high point of progress, starting from scratch. “Pakistan too started from scratch in 1947 and succeeded in stemming the stormy tides.” He pointed out that Pakistan had the potential and human resources to overcome the current challenges in terms of economy, polity and terrorism.
He stressed the need to strengthen national institutions and promote a culture of accountability “Pakistanis should learn to see things through national prism to reach right conclusion on vital issues” he emphasized. He said Pakistan’s future can be assured by a functioning democracy and thriving national institutions.
Eminent intellectual Dr. Naeem Ghani advised media to highlight the real strength of the country and use terminologies in their real perspective. “This is how the media can avoid confusing minds of the people about current challenges.”
He said Pakistani people have great talents and they can overcome all difficulties through their resolve, faith and hard work. “ what pakistan needs is to invest in education to maximum possible extent to promote their capacity”, he said.
Editor-in- Chief, daily Pakistan Mr. Sardar Khan Niazi said we should promote democratic culture in the country and curb corruption in all institutions. He observed that the country can have true leaders if democracy and rule of law prevailed in the country.
Prominent journalist and intellectual Mr.Khushnood Ali Khan stressed the need for a positive approach of media towards national issues and challenges. He criticized those who paint grim picture of the current situation and try to demoralize the people. He said Pakistan is a country of great promise and possesses material as well as human resources needed to achieve rapid progress.
Former Foreign Secretary Mr. Riaz Muhammad Khan said, we should not take serous notice of certain foreign think tanks which are habitual of harbouring negative perceptions about the future of Pakistan. He pointed out that major powers including United States do not base their policies on such far-fetched ideas. He said the problems Pakistan is facing today are rooted within, not in foreign lands. On terrorism, he said, Pakistan should never allow its soil to be used against any country
Professor Inam Muhammad said, we must follow the noblest example of Prophet Hazart Muhammad (PBUH) to achieve success here and in hereafter. He underlined the need to promote education and character building of the youth so that there was no crisis of leadership. “The older generation should present role models in all walks of society. “The nation should follow the great example of the founder of Pakistan in building the country to great heights”, he said.
Mr. Masud A. Daher, in his speech, underlined the importance of upholding truth in all spheres of national life. He said, truth and intellect are first casualties whenever there is a military coup. He said media should present truth and real facts on vital issues so that the people form realistic opinions.
Lt. General retired Mujib-ur- Rehman in his concluding remarks laid emphasis on objectives of Pakistan as perceived by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
He said there was no ground for despair. He said that Pakistan was endowed with vast resources in both material and human terms which can be utilized to overcome all difficulties being faced by the nation. He emphatically said that Pakistan came into being to remain for ever as was said by its founder. He presented examples from history to make his point. He thought that the people of Pakistan would never forget to play their role in safeguarding the integrity and sovereignty of the country. “They are ready to make sacrifices to uphold national interests” he said.
Those participated in the seminar included among others Admiral retired Iftikhar Ahmad Sarohi, Lt. General (Retired) Imranullah Khan, former foreign minister Mr. Abdul Sattar, M. Bilal Advocate, Ambassadors Mr.Khalid Salim and Mr. Tayyab Siddiqui, Professor Siddique Akbar and Mr. Munawar Rahi.
Source: The Post
Date:10/15/2008
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