RECORDER REPORT
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Mohammad Yousaf said on Tuesday that Pakistani society is a diverse society where people from different backgrounds are encouraged to play positive role for the betterment of society as a whole. He was addressing as chief guest at the launch ceremony of Tolerant Pakistan Media Network, a forum to motivate journalist community to promote tolerance in the society through their writings, television shows and blogs. The contribution of prominent parliamentarian Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, for this initiative was widely appreciated on the occasion. Dr Ramesh Vankwani, in his opening remarks, said that tolerance has a direct link with peace and prosperity. He said that ensuring a peace-loving tolerant society is a collective responsibility and in this regard, team work should be encouraged. He also announced to nominate Sabahuddin Qazi as the focal person for the Tolerant Pakistan Media Network.
“If you take a look at the logo of Tolerant Pakistan Media Network, you will see whatever I am saying is reflecting there as well,” he said. The people having diverse backgrounds are shown in the logo with joined hands with a purpose to work together for the betterment of Pakistan.
“We highly regard the presence of different ambassadors including EU, Belgium, Mauritius, Azerbaijan and Russia who are here today to share their experiences of achieving tolerant societies in their respective countries,” he added. Dr Ramesh Vankwani urged the need to strengthen cooperation with media and academia. He announced to organise a series of seminars and workshops in different universities with the collaboration of Higher Education Commission (HEC) on the issue of tolerance.
A good number of vice chancellors belong to different universities were also present on the occasion.
“As far as media community is concerned, if you are columnist, kindly write at least one column in a month. If you are reporter, please try to find a story to file in a month. If you are TV anchor, please have a talk show in a month on the issue of tolerance,” he said, while adding, “This is how we can struggle together to fulfill our dreams for ensuring Tolerant Pakistan” in accordance with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s speech on August 11, 1947.
EU Ambassador Jean-Francois Cautain, while welcoming the initiative, said that Europe has a bright track record of promoting tolerance and positive values in the society. He said that the European Union consists of 28 member states and any kind of discrimination in Europe is strictly forbidden.
He said that people to people contacts and mutual understanding could be beneficial to change the hostile mindsets. Highlighting the cultural diversity, he said that quality education, respect of human beings, social justice and tolerance are key factors of European society. He also highlighted the need of journalist trainings and exchange programmes which, according to him, could deliver positive results to build a tolerant society. Chairman Higher Education Commission Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, in his address, emphasised that intolerance is not only limited to Pakistani society but it could be observed in other parts of world as well. He urged the need to promote education for tolerance with a focus on young generation who are future of the country. He was of the view that kids want attention by parents and thus, parents and teachers must be role model for the youth.
