ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a seminar "Role of Media in Disaster Management" held here Monday acknowledged the role of Pakistani media in disaster management and mitigation, reducing the sufferings of the affectees.
The event arranged by Disaster Research Institute (DRI), Preston University was attended by eminent media analysts and educationists.
Addressing the participants of the seminar, eminent media analyst and anchor person Syed Talat Hussain said that during the devastating floods of 2010 and 2011, the Pakistani media played a vital role in drawing the attention of the world community towards the catastrophe that uprooted millions of people and destroyed standing crops in the affected areas of the country.
The media also played an important role in motivating the nation to come forward with significant monetary assistance to alleviate the sufferings of the affected people to rehabilitate them.
He said the Pakistan media played a key role in bringing the nation together at one platform and motivating them to come to the rescue of their fellow brethren. The response, as expected, was positive and massive, he maintained.
In his presentation on the topic, Professor Dr. Saqib Riaz of Allama Iqbal Open University said the importance of media in the present day world cannot be overemphasized. The media has brought about a resolution in almost all spheres of life, he said.
Dr. Saqib Riaz said that Pakistan's electronic media in particular, like other institutions, has always played a significant role in dealing with natural disasters that has struck the country over the years.
Media's role is worthy of genuine appreciation and must be lauded by every segment of the Pakistani society, he emphasized.
However, a grey area that exists and needs to be addressed by the media is its role in educating the masses about natural disasters and the ways and means available to deal with them effectively, Dr. Saqib said.
Prof. Dr. Allah Wadhyo Baloch, Executive Director (DRI), Preston University, also made an enlightening and thought provoking presentation in the seminar.
Eminent among the panelists were Muhammad Idress, Director Disaster Risk management (NDMA), Amir Mohyuddin, former Director National Disaster management Authority (NDMA), and Atle Hetland, former consultant UNHCR.
Dr. Abdul Basit, Chancellor Preston University presented a memento of university to the distinguished speakers and the panelists at the end of proceedings of the seminar.
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