Rashid lauds role of media in post-quake scenario
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Monday appreciated the role of electronic and print media after the quake disaster and underlined the need for keeping up the efforts to encourage people to face the challenge courageously.
The Minister told the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting that the PTV covered the October 8 natural calamity and its aftermath responsibly.
“I am proud of PTV’s performance as it reported factually on the disaster,” he said.
The minister underlined the need for print media to avoid sensationalism during this hour of national tragedy and encourage the people to face the challenge boldly.
He said the credit goes to the present government for allowing the private channels to air their views and report independently without any bars.
“There are 15 television channels operating and another 37are coming shortly. There are 80 radio stations in private sector,” Sheikh Rashid said.
He said as PTV is state-owned, it has to work under certain limitations while the private channels have their own style of working.
He said in this natural disaster all the political parties and the people have come out as one nation working for a common cause.
Sheikh Rashid vowed to rehabilitate the quake devastated areas and said the calamity occurred on a massive scale.
Chairperson of the Standing Committee Rehana Aleem Mashahdisaid there was a need to encourage the print and electronic media so that their performance can improve further.
She said if media does not point out the ills of the society then they remain hidden from the public eye.
Earlier the members of the committee lauded PTV, privatetelevision channels and print media for their role in presenting a true picture of country’s biggest ever natural disaster.
The members said the print and electronic media also created unity among the people who worked in aid and relief efforts with the same spirit the nation displayed during 1965 war.
They said relief work by private charity organizations should be highlighted by the media to encourage young people who are very active in quake affected areas.
The meeting was attended by representatives of PTV, Information Ministry, private television channels and Associated Press of Pakistan.