Seminar: Media urged to remain neutral

ISLAMABAD:

Speakers at a seminar on Friday expressed the resolve to work for freedom of the media and maintain neutrality of the press.     

The seminar on Media’s Role in Current Political Crisis was arranged by the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA).

Speakers said the media must remain impartial.

President National Press Club Sheharyar Khan urged the protesters of the sit-ins to refrain from provocative statements that could result in violence.

He said attacks on media organizations are tantamount to attacks on freedom of the press.

Television anchor Asma Sherazi said that all media persons were united to safeguard the constitution. She said that the media was pro-constitution and not pro-government or any other group.

Journalist Hamid Mir said that media persons have rendered sacrifices for freedom of the press. He urged all journalists to be objective while reporting.

The speakers said that journalists should shun their differences and unite to defend the freedom of expression, promote professional standards and observe ethics.

They said the media should support continuity of democracy and respect for freedom, human rights, pluralism, tolerance and right to dissent.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th, 2014.