Karachi, Mumbai press clubs sign memorandum against hate language

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Indian press clubs have signed a memorandum against using hate language in the press,

Mumbai Press Club and Karachi Press Club inked the memorandum in Mumbai.

Urging journalists in India and Pakistan to end their use of the 'language of hate', a media delegation said that frequent interactions between people from both the countries would reduce animosity and boost bilateral ties, IRNA reported.

'If people keep meeting, it will help us know about each other in a more better way. If you don't meet then some wrong message is spread by the third person. People to people contact is better than that at the upper level,' said Nagma Iqtidar.

Nagma is a freelance journalist who is part of the media delegation on visit to Mumbai from Karachi and Hyderabad (Sindh) in Pakistan.

'We are the biggest victim of terrorism. One of our tall leaders Benazir Bhutto became the victim of it. We want you to support us. If democracy is strengthened in Pakistan it will ultimately benefit India,' said another scribe during an interactive session at the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh.

Asked on attitude of Pakistan towards India of late, Tahir Hasan Khan, President of the Karachi Press Club, said it has changed manifolds.

'It (the attitude) has certainly changed from what it was in the 60s and 70s. Both the media can solve the issue by coming together,' he said.

Earlier, on 23rd May during the seminar on `The role of media in promoting peace in the sub-continent' in Mumbai media persons from Mumbai and Karachi press clubs have called for liberalised visa regime for journalists from both countries to ensure free exchange of information.

The 14-member media delegation from Karachi and Hyderabad (Sindh) arrived in Mumbai on 22nd May for a week-long visit.

A 22-member delegation from Mumbai Press club had visited Karachi and Hyderabad in November last year, the release issued by the Mumbai Press Club said.
The delegation represents leading newspapers and television channels.

'The purpose of the visit is to promote a philosophy of understanding and tolerance between the two countries by increasing and improving the quality of media content when reporting on each other's country and bilateral issues. This is expected to give a boost to the peace process between the two countries.'

The delegation is also scheduled to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and state Home Minister R R Patil. They will also visit the BSE as well as a couple of newspapers and news channel offices. (APP)