Pakistan: Kaira wants responsible media

Qamar-uz-Zaman Kaira, PPP central secretary information, applauding the role of media as watchdog to ensure transparency has called upon the media entities to ensure authenticity of the news before breaking it, as it could prove fatal to many social and diplomatic affairs.

Kaira was addressing to the participants at a seminar on ‘Role and Challenges of Free and Responsible Media’ organised by PINFO-CR in collaboration with PFUJ here at National Press Club.

Secretary Information Mohammad Azam, representing the government, called upon media to introspect and develop institutional structures and mechanisms to address the arising challenges for playing a constructive role as a vital organ of society. Speaking at the seminar President Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) announced that PFUJ would specifically highlight the issues and challenges faced by the journalist working in far-flung areas, focusing on the conflicts zones of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa/ Federally Administered Tribal Areas where journalists are working under the most dangerous circumstances. “Media has been victimised for years to state the truth and play the role of watchdog. The PFUJ is committed to raising voice for the protection of journalist and freedom of speech on the relevant forums”, said President PFUJ Afzal Butt.

Highlighting the need for regulating media, Mohammad Riaz Ahmed, member executive council PFUJ, said, “Pakistani media should develop an acceptable code of conduct for addressing the emerging challenges of transparency and responsible behaviour.” His views were echoed by the President National Press Club Sheheryar Khan.

http://nation.com.pk/islamabad/01-Nov-2014/kaira-wants-responsible-media