Syed Mussarat Khalil

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Well known educationist and professor Tariq Cheema of King Abdul Aziz University is of the view that media is the fourth estate of the realm.



It is the responsibility of media and journalists to inform, entertain, educate, influence public and shed light on issues positively, he said at a seminar.



Cheema was speaking at a seminar organized by the Pakistan Writer Forum (PWF), a well known literary organization of poets and writers of Jeddah, on the  “Present Media and Our Responsibility” at Mahran restaurant recently.



He said that in Pakistan more than 100 private TV channels are operating. But there is lack of professionalism. Due to commercialism, marketing and competition the channels look like mega mall.



He appealed to the Pakistan Electronic Media regulatory authority (PEMRA) to form certain laws at least for news channels to fulfill their responsibilities. 



Cheema congratulated the president and members of PWF for arranging such an informative seminar.



Journalist from Urdu News Mustafa Habib shared his 18-year experience of media, and highlighted several critical issues. He said the best and exemplary period of journalism was at the time of second Caliph Omer Bin Khatab.



Today, he said, Zafar Ali Khan,  Abul ala Maududi and some other noted writers and journalists are among those who foster the development of the nation.



General secretary of Memon Welfare Association (MWA) Tayyab Mosani said: “Regrettably our media is not showing sense of fairness and justice both print and electronic media.”



Religious scholar Tafheem Arshad said: “Media has to be virtuous in their role of serving people. They should present facts to people and help shape the nation rather than consciously mislead them.”



Senior member of Pakistani community Aziz Ahmed said: “Media plays a very important and crucial role in enlightening and educating people. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the media toward society to provide them with clean, transparent and reliable information.”



President of PWF Neaz Ahmed highlighted the importance of accuracy of reporting. “Media acts as a mirror of society and heavily influences its highly devoted audience.”



Tauqir Ahmed, master of the ceremony, invited Obaid Aftab to recite few verses from the Quran and also provide there translation.



Sher Afzal presented a Naat.



Chief patron of Moulan Seharwi Academy Bahjat Ayub Najmi made a supplication for Muslims around the world.