German Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Michael Koch has said that Germany actively supports the independent media in Pakistan because media is an integral part and a pre-condition to strong and stable democracy in any society. He was delivering his keynote address at the national media conference hosted by Individualland Pakistan, a non-profit consultancy, in collaboration with Friedrich Naumann Foundation here on Friday.
"Pakistani media hold enough independence and is a source of hope for the long-term democracy in Pakistan," said Dr Koch. The ambassador also said that practising journalism in Pakistan was a serious and risky business and hats off to its practitioners who are braving the conditions to further the cause of vibrant media.
The two-day conference titled Pakistan Media: Present and Future drew a large number of journalists from all parts of the country. Individualland is hosting the conference at the heels of long series workshops across the country to sensitise the media on gender equity issues supported by Aurat Foundation and USAID.
Gulmina Bilal Ahmed, director of IL said, "Since 1992, as many as 41 journalists have laid down their lives in the line of duty. The media in Pakistan today is on the forefront of conflict without much safeguards." Olaf Kellerhoff, Resident Director Friedrich Naumann Foundation said that FNF in partnership with Individu-alland started the concept of Free, Independent, Responsible Media (FIRM) and the Foundation would like to continue promoting the professional and independent media.
In the second session, the participants were involved in the discussion on the basics like what media stands for while exploring contemporary themes like urban base and rural base. During the last session, which was presided over by Samina Ahmed, Director International Crises Group, the panellists picked on the themes Dissecting the Jihadi Media. Dr Ahmed said that one would have to define what constitutes Jihadi media or one should not equate Jihadi media with non-violent sectarian media.-PR
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