Don’t glorify terrorists, Kaira urges media

[LahoreEstate]

* Live coverage of terror attacks spreads disappointment among people

ISLAMABAD: The media should avoid the portrayal of terrorists as heroes, especially during the live coverage of any terrorist attack, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said on Saturday.

He was talking to a 12-member delegation of the Sialkot Press Club that met him at PTV Headquarters.

The minister said giving extensive coverage to terrorist activities caused disappointment among the masses, however, he said the media’s role had been positive and responsible.

He said the government believed in the freedom of press and wanted to resolve all issues faced by the media through consultations.

To a question, Kaira said a consultative committee consisting of independent and well-reputed journalists had been constituted to prepare a code of conduct for the media.

He added that the Pakistani media was responsible and there would not be a need for the government to enforce its code of conduct on the sector.

Kaira said the government would provide security to media organisations if a need arose.

Commenting on the Kerry-Lugar bill, the minister said the government’s agenda already included the commitment to root out terrorist networks and stopping proliferation, therefore, Kaira said, the criticism of the conditions set in the bill was misplaced. app

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...2009_pg1_8