Opinion-makers: Journalists ask govt for security, patronage

IMS Peshawar marks World Press Freedom Day.

PESHAWAR: Representatives of the FATA Secretariat, faculty members and a large number of students exchanged views about the role of journalists and the dissemination of information in a progressive society at a conference on Monday.

The event was put together by the Institute of Management Sciences to mark World Press Freedom Day which was on May 3. A number of media persons and tribal representatives were also present on the occasion.

Speakers enumerated obstacles encountered by journalists and how press freedom is seen by the State and the people. Prayers were also said for journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty.

United Nations International Days Marking Society President Toqeer Panyala said Pakistan is one of the most challenging societies for journalism and there exists no security mechanism for those who are out in the streets to keep us updated.

According to senior journalist Iqbal Khattak, the media helps people make informed decisions. “The government should provide security and patronage to those who report from the most volatile areas of the country.”

FATA Secretariat director information Fayyaz Ali Shah was of the view that the press should be aware of its responsibilities and keep its stories balanced.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2015.