Media can be used to counter negative propaganda about Islam: Pervez Rashid

Rashid said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would continue to work jointly as they share a common religion.

ISLAMABAD: Senator Pervez Rashid said on Thursday that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would continue to work jointly as their bond is established by a common ‘religion and spirit of brotherhood’.

He made this statement during a meeting with his Saudi counterpart Saudi culture and information minister Dr Abdul Aziz Bin Mohieddin Khoja.

He said that Pakistan's relations with Saudi Arabia were based on solid foundations of Islamic identity, shared cultural heritage and commonality of perceptions on all issues of international importance.

The minister said that the media can be used as an effective tool in countering negative propaganda about Islam.

He also emphasised on the need to formalise the proposed idea of Pak-Saudi media friendship forum between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

This forum will not only prove instrumental in promoting bilateral ties but would also help in understanding each other's culture, as it would create an opportunity for media persons to exchange visits and learn from each other's experiences and best practices, the minister asserted.

Senator Rashid said that the present democratic government believes in freedom of expression and considers media as its partner in the development of the country and in pointing out issues of public interest. He also emphasized on the need for effective implementation of existing MoUs and projects of cooperation particularly in the field of culture and media.

He proposed to work on the joint productions, sharing information and news stories and making exclusive documentaries to depict the true image and culture of both countries.

Saudi culture and information minister emphasised on the need of frequent visits by the leadership of both countries to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two states.

Saudi minister also appreciated the level of independence provided to media in Pakistan and underlined the need to implement the existing level of cooperation.

Earlier, the minister received his counterpart and welcomed him in the ministry of information. They both held an exclusive meeting in which cooperation in the field of media, information and culture was discussed.

A briefing on the working and functioning of ministry was also given to the Saudi minister.

Saudi minister also paid a visit to Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) and Lok Virsa Museum, where he witnessed exhibition of paintings, Quranic calligraphy and cultural performances by the local artists.

The minister hosted a lunch in the honour of the guest and thanked him for visiting the ministry of information, broadcasting and national heritage and hoped that his visit would go a long way in boosting bilateral relations between both countries.