Marriyum urges media outlets for self-accountability

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb has urged media outlets to do self-introspection and accountability in order to enhance their credibility.

Addressing a conference of international news agencies here on Sunday, she said regulating the media does not serve the purpose. The minister said media in Pakistan had evolved in seventy years to reach a level where it had become free and vibrant and fourth pillar of the state.

She said, “In Pakistan the landmarks we have achieved in media also include right to information act passed in Parliament ensuring free access of information about public departments. It creates an enabling environment for journalists and news agencies in Pakistan.”

Marriyum Aurangzeb said it is a good thing that Pakistan is completing 10 years of continuity in democracy and people will again be electing their representatives in the upcoming election. She said in early 2000s private TV channels entered the media landscape in Pakistan and lately the social media had also become very active and widely used especially by youth. She said, “Pakistan has a youth bulge and we have been looking to enact various legislations in order to safeguard youth from cyber risks that come with increased exposure to online media.”

She said fake news is another challenge which our media is dealing with especially in security related issues. The minister said Pakistan in last three decades had been dealing with challenges of terrorism and extremism and we are fighting a perception war in the world. She said, “Pakistanis are a resilient nation and have overcome all challenges with fortitude.” She said media could help bringing peace and stability in the region. The minister said media in our region is mostly concentrated on politics and other areas are left behind.