Call to use freedom of expression carefully

LAHORE
There is a need to carefully use the right to freedom of expression in the digital age for peaceful global and local coexistence, respecting members of all religious and ethnic communities of the world.
These words were expressed by the speakers at an inaugural ceremony of three-day international conference “Freedom of Expression: Global Politics of Emotions” organised by Punjab University Institute of Communication Studies (PUICS) at a local hotel on Monday.
Punjab Governor/Chancellor Malik Rafique Rajwana, who was the chief guest of the inaugural session, said right to freedom of expression was a basic right of every individuals and society, however, all individuals, societies and countries must respect freedom and emotions of other societies and countries in this global world. He lauded the efforts of PUICS management and students.
The governor said the conference theme was very important not only for media persons but also for the society. “Freedom of Expression enables quality of governance and gives citizens an opportunity to voice their views”, he added.
Speaking on the occasion Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Mujahid Kamran thanked the international and national researchers and participants and expressed his hope that a very positive message would be delivered to the global community from the platform of this PU ICS conference. He said all the members of society and the media have to play a responsible role. He urged the youth participants to learn from this conference and become ambassadors of peace.
Media analyst Javed Jabbar, Dr MA Siddiqui from University of Illinois, Dr Christian Clifford from USA, from ICS Bushra Rahman, Dr Abida Ejaz, Dr Noshina Saleem and a large number media academicians and students were present.
UMT Rector Dr Hasan Sohaib Murad, Dr Elizabeth Eide from Norway, media analysts Ejaz Haider and Ayesha Leghai were the keynote speakers in the plenary session.
Javed Jabbar said Pakistan has the highest rate of freedom of expression in around 56 Muslim states of the world. He said religion, education and political systems cause curbs on the freedom of expression.
Dr MA Siddique said Islam highlighted the concept of freedom of expression therefore it was vital to understand this concept. Dr Abida Aijaz, conference focal person, said this platform would serve as a source of peace promotion both locally and globally. Dr Noshina Saleem introduced ICS and highlighted the importance of freedom of expression.
Dr Elizabeth Eide said freedom of expression was important for free flow of information and conversation. She said right to respect others and the right of listen others were very important in a society. She added increase access to social media made this freedom complex but we should use it with more care, she added. The conference will continue till Wednesday.