Estb. 1882

University of the Punjab

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Constitutional supremacy not possible without media freedom
Constitutional supremacy not possible without media freedom


LAHORE: (Monday, November 28, 2022): Punjab government spokesperson Massarat Jamshed Cheema, has said that the dream of rule of the constitution is unfulfilled in Pakistan due to the controlled media. She was addressing a seminar on ICTs and Socio-Political Empowerment: local and international media discourses organized by Punjab University School of Communication Studies’ Department of Communication and Media Research in collaboration with Maulana Zafar Ali Khan Chair and PU Web TV at Khurana Auditorium, School of Chemistry. On this occasion, Dean Faculty of Information and Media Studies Professor Dr Khalid Mehmood, School of Communication Studies Director Professor Dr. Nosheena Saleem, senior analyst Orya Maqbool Jan, Turkiye Urdu Executive Editor Muhammad Hassan, Professor Dr Mian Hanan Ahmed, senior faculty members and a large number of students participated in the event. In her address, Ms Cheema said that unfortunately, the media in Pakistan was more critical than constructive. She said that they were fighting the propaganda war on social media platforms because of the youth. She said that thanks to social media, Pakistan's positive role had been helped to be brought before the world. She said that people are being misguided through advertisements in Pakistan which is the cause of disaster. She said that it was the responsibility of leadership to give direction to the people, which should be followed by the people. She said that for the development and prosperity of Pakistan, the youth must play a dynamic role. Oriya Maqbool Jan said that 97 percent of the media around the world was ruled by five companies who use the media to fulfill their agenda. He said that history would never forgive the people who misguided their own nations on the basis of capital. He said that powerful circles introduced their culture through media and education system. Muhammad Hassan said that the youth should use technology to fight the western agenda. He said that Russia and Ukraine could be discussed in the media but there are restrictions on talking about Kashmir and Burhan Wani. Khalid Mahmood said that social media has changed the political, social and economic lifestyle of the society. He said that despite all the censorship on social media, one could convey his message to the others. He said that steps were needed to stop fake news and false information on social media. Dr Nosheena Saleem said that the students of Punjab University were talented who were playing an active role to highlight the positive aspects of Pakistan. She said that the mainstream media was still considered reliable by the people. Later, souvenirs were presented to the distinguished guests.