Monday, February 27, 2012

Consistency Counts a lot


An Interview with Mr. Waqar Mehdi,Advisor to Chief Minister Information,Govt. of Sindh.

Interview by, Bushra Khalid

“Pakistan’s image is really changing in the eyes of the world, especially after the recent developments in the war against terror. The world can see that how the people of Pakistanis have sacrificed their lives in the war against terror in their country. They still have to face many difficulties and have to face many issues economically as well as socially but, they are fully cooperating against terrorism. I can understand the feelings of many people in the Northern areas. Pakistan is a Front Line State. Europe and other countries understand that Pakistan had to suffer a big loss in the war against terror”, Waqar Mehdi, Advisor to Chief Minister Information, Govt, of Sindh

Q. What is the role of the advisor to Chief Minister in this age of digital media?

It is the time of Modern Technology and Computers. You can say that now media is on a fast track system. Introduction of new and advanced technologies have brought a great revolution in the digital world. As an advisor to Chief Minister Information, I keep myself updated with all the news and updates. Besides other means, I also try to utilize the digital means to stay connected with media and people and to understand their problems. The main thing is whatever type of media it is, if a person is determined, hardworking, he can perform his duties in a best way by any means.

Q. What are the challenges that you face as an advisor to Chief Minister Sindh?

By the grace of Allah, I don’t really have to face any tough challenges as I have a better understanding and knowhow with people. My work is mostly related to media, so I have to keep myself updated with news and updates and I try my best to resolve the issues of the public by means of media. I also try to put forward a clear point of view of the Government at different circumstances.

Q. What are the responsibilities of the media in reporting and covering news and events?

Media should portray the real picture of the society. As you must have felt yourself that, many times some of the media channels deliver news which is not at all related to the reality. Some media channels should avoid spreading negative sensation among people. Media should be free and I agree with that but, some media channels and newspapers take negative advantage of this freedom. All have the right to point out negative points of the Government; all have the right to give suggestions. Government is always here to hear and correct its mistakes but, what some of the media channels do is to just create negative sensation and false impact. This is very wrong and hurting. Such actions have made people the victim of tension and worries.
Let’s take an example of a common working or businessman, I have noticed that many times some of the media channels deliver news with much negative exposure, the man who is necessarily out for his work is forced to leave his work by his relatives and asked to come back as soon. I am sorry to say that some of the media channels become too much exaggerative while delivering news. However, some channels and newspapers are giving a fair and true performance. There should be a fair and just media in the country.

Q. What is the Government’s role in the development of a fair and just media in the country?

Government is always ready to provide every kind of help to media. In the previous days, we were being told by the owners of the newspapers that GST is being applied. We took actions to withdraw it after they shared their issues with us. Government always gives full support and facilities to Media and Journalism. Government wants the freedom of media and Government has even cooperated with media during different circumstances. Media should use this freedom with justice and should play a fair character.

Q. How is Pakistan’s image changing in the eyes of the world after the recent developments in the war against terror?

Pakistan’s image is really changing in the eyes of the world, especially after the recent developments in the war against terror. The world can see that how the people of Pakistanis have sacrificed their lives in the war against terror in their country. They still have to face many difficulties and have to face many issues economically as well as socially but, they are fully cooperating against terrorism. I can understand the feelings of many people in the Northern areas. Pakistan is a Front Line State. Europe and other countries understand that Pakistan had to suffer a big loss in the war against terror.

Q. How do you assess the current law and order situation in the province? What measures in your opinion should be done by the government to control this situation?

The current law and order situation in the province has got better.Specially, we, with the help of police have taken control over the kidnappings on high way. Government is fighting hard against the target killings and crimes in the province. Government is taking strict security and other measures. Government always tries its level best to fight against terrorists and criminals. For that we also want the support of people. These people are in our boundary and only with people’s support and cooperation we can make the situation better.

Q. According to you, what steps should be taken to control the continuous target killings in Karachi?

Target killings can only be controlled with awareness and cooperation. Government is trying its level best; we want full support and cooperation of people in this regard.

Q. What tools do you apply to keep appropriate checks and balances on the media in the country?

Government can only request the certain owners of each media channels and newspapers to be fair in delivering news and information. We don’t really want to put checks, because then we are being blamed for being an obstacle for the freedom of media and journalism. Media shouldn’t just portray the negative image of the Government. Media should itself be fair in using the freedom of media.

Q. Being a busy person, how do you manage your daily routine?

I am a person with consistent nature. A person with consistent nature is always able to manage everything. I believe that if a person possesses the quality of determination then he can manage everything in life, no matter how busy he is. I read newspaper in the morning, and then I come to office bit late in morning as I stay back in office bit late at night. I prefer to spend at least an hour with my family after I come back home. In the evening, if I have to attend any social gathering, I attend that. I never mix my professional and political life with my family and private life.

Q. What message would you like to give our readers?

I want to give this message that if this society will be educated then there will be lesser problems and lesser crimes. Everyone should give priority to education. Parents should concentrate on their children’s education as education plays a main role in defending a child from the negative effects of the society. People should learn to be patient to bring peace in the city. One should follow the right media and should cooperate in fulfilling the dream which Shaheed Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto have seen for Pakistan.

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