‘Free media key to  protecting democratic ideals’

Ebad says only print and electronic media can prevent anti-democratic acts by raising voice, irrespective of fears and pressures

Karachi

The role of an independent media is pivotal for the promotion and sustainability of democracy and democratic norms. This is because it is the media that helps prevent anti-democratic acts by raising its voice, irrespective of fears and pressures, to informs the masses about their rights and responsibilities.

These views were expressed by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad while speaking to a 10-member delegation of journalists from various TV channels and newspapers of Bangladesh at the Governor House on Tuesday.

Advisor to the governor for media and higher education, Syed Wajahat Ali, and the director general of the Press Information Department Karachi, Syed Sikandar Ali Shah, were also present on the occasion.

The governor said a free and independent media did not only identify various problems and issues, but it also kept an eye on the acts and endeavours of the government.

Dr Ebad said through a rapid propagation of news by the electronic media, especially during the last decade, a new era of journalism had started which was very swift and effective.

It broadcasts any issue or matter without any delay and it reached millions of viewers in no time, he observed.

The governor said it was a fact that journalists of the South Asian region and other third world countries had to face immense difficulties in performance of their professional duties.

Many had sacrificed their lives for their cause and other continued their quest to unearth the truth despite all odds, he said.

Replying to a question about the negative propaganda of involvement of Pakistan in terrorist activities, the governor said there was no truth in such misleading inculcation as Pakistan had always fought against terrorism and extremism.

The sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army and citizens were an ample proof of the resolve in this regard, he said.

The delegation members included Mizanur Rehman from the Daily Manabzamin, Safikul Islam Shamim of the ATN Bangla TV, Muhammad Hamid Islam Sarkar of the Daily Naya Diaganta , Jesmin Akter  from the Banglanews 24.com, Masud Karim from the Daily Jugantor, Mostafiz ur Rehman from the Independent, Shamsul Huda from The Observer,  Rashed Ahmed from the New Age, Morshed  Haseeb Hassan from the Channel 24 and Nafiza  Dalwa from the Indwpendent TV.