‘Focus on social issues that matter’

NGO asks journalists to help bring education on the national agenda.


Sher Khan November 14, 2010

LAHORE: “Illiterate voters cannot resist dictators,” a small gathering of media personnel was told by Arshad Saeed Khan, an education specialist with UNESCO.

Speaking to a group of journalists, Khan emphasised that education meant empowerment that could lead to social change. “A strong education sector teamed with a free media will ensure accountability and transparency in Pakistan,” he added.  Khan said that the rewards of education take time and that was the reason why many politicians were hesitant to invest in education.

Khan stated this at a forum organised by the Pakistan Association for Continuing & Adult Education and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) titled Media Forum for the Promotion of Literacy in Pakistan.

The government is bound, by the 18th amendment, to provide free education to all of individuals aged 5 to 16, said Khan. While giving a presentation Khan said, “The media focus tends to put politics in the headlines and on the front-page. However, social issues do not get the same attention.”

Emphasising that the media needed to change its role, Khan said that the the four areas that need to be continually pushed are new ideas, analytical reporting, investigative reporting and thorough awareness. He said that the reporters could make a difference through highlighting gaps, root causes, good practices and suggesting solutions.

Earlier in his opening address, Inayatullah, the Pakistan Association for Continuing & Adult Education president, said that the forum ensure continued discussion that would encourage people in the media to cover and promote education. Inayatullah said that literary issues were largely ignored by the media. A representative from the Lahore Education Reporters Association said that there should be liaison between the media and the NGOs to promote education.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14th, 2010.

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