FM stations to be launched to counter militant propaganda

[LahoreEstate]

Monday, June 15, 2009
By our corrrespondent

PESHAWAR: The NWFP government would set up FM radio stations in Malakand and other militancy-hit areas of the province to counter the militants’ propaganda and educate the people against militancy.

Briefing journalists at the Civil Officers Mess here on Saturday, NWFP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said terrorism could not be eradicated by killing terrorists alone. “Changing the mindset of the people is the key to complete elimination of militancy,” he added. He also underlined the need for making major changes to the syllabus of educational institutions introduced during the Ziaul Haq regime.

The minister said the federal government should release funds for launching a TV channel in local languages to educate and communicate the government’s stance to the local people in their mother languages.

Iftikhar also called upon the religious scholars to come forward and play an effective role in educating the masses about the true teachings of Islam on Jihad. He said Ulema like Dr Sarfaraz Naeemi and Maulana Hassan Jan had attained great honour and respect for their firm stance on extremism.

About the Swat situation, he said security forces had taken control of Chaprial area in the district and also consolidated hold over some areas in Kabal. He said the government had set a timeframe for the return of the IDPs during a meeting with the Army chief, but the date would not be disclosed at this stage as it might trigger criticism in case of a delay. Iftikhar said the situation in Buner was fast becoming normal and public servants were performing duties in Totalai and Nawagai. The minister criticised the Wapda and the PTCL authorities for not restoring electricity and communication links in Buner district

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=183055