Unbiased reporting should be journalists' motto: Zuberi

"Press freedom and unbiased reporting should be the motto of journalists to create more respectability and credibility to the profession." This advice was given by M A Zuberi, Chief Editor, Business Recorder, while delivering presidential address at the book launching ceremony of 'Press Freedom and the Role of Newspaper Editors', by Mahmoodul Aziz at the office of Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) here on Saturday.
The book, written by veteran journalist Mahmoodul Aziz, evaluates the role of editors in Pakistan to keep the press free from government dictates and shackles.
Zuberi praised the untiring efforts and courage of Mahmoodul Aziz in not towing the line of a democratically elected or military imposed government.
He told the audience about his long association with the author of the book that stretched to the pre-partition days. He praised the author for firmness of his character and his conviction that could not be intimidated by the rulers.
Tauseef Ahmed, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication at Federal University, Karachi, offered his critique of the book in an academic manner. He dispelled the impression that journalists had not written many books, and a few who ventured in this field had not written extensively about the profession.
The book traces the role of newspaper editors from the steamy days of late 40s when the country was in the throes of partition. The British colonialists and Hindus were trying to derail the independence struggle of the Muslims. But Muslim Editors of newspapers fought intellectually to counter their nefarious designs.
Professor Ahmed expressed reservations about the author's defiant attitude towards civilian dictators but a bit mellowed against General Zia-ul-Haque.
He said that the author had added and discussed his personal opinions that should have been put in another section of the book. He said that he was satisfied with the quality and usefulness of the work and hoped that it could be translated into Urdu and other languages.
Earlier, Inqilab Matri, Convenor, Sindh Committee, CPNE, welcomed the guests and said that this special book launching session was arranged to express editors' appreciation of the author for his commendable book.
Mahmoodul Aziz thanked the editors for their noble gesture for him. He said that he could not have been successful without the continued co-operation from M A Zuberi and Majeed Nizami.
He criticised those who find journalists lacking in courage and patriotism. "Not a single journalist fled from the country to seek the sanctuary of a foreign land," he proudly claimed.
He negated the idea that editors had bowed to the military dictators. He said that a government loses its credibility by putting draconian laws against newspapers. He condemned the government policy of stopping advertisement to the newspapers that were not toeing its line.
He advised the working journalists to consider journalism as a sacred mission and act accordingly. He recalled and quoted Maulana Ismael Zabih who used to say, " Journalism is worship".