Promoting tolerance: Tolerant Pakistan Media Network launched

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 16 May 2017

ISLAMABAD - The Tolerant Pakistan Media Network, a forum to motivate journalists to promote tolerance through their writings, TV shows and blogs, was launched Tuesday.

The house appreciated the contribution of parliamentarian Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani for this initiative.

Sardar Mohammad Yousaf, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, graced the event as chief guest.

Dr.  Vankwani said tolerance had a direct link with peace and prosperity. "Ensuring a peace-loving tolerant society is our collective responsibility. In this regard, teamwork should be encouraged."

Sabah uddin Qazi is the focal person for the Tolerant Pakistan Media Network.

Dr. Vankwani urged the need to strengthen cooperation with media and academia. He announced plans to organize seminars and workshops at different universities on tolerance.

EU Ambassador Jean-Francois Cautain welcomed the initiative. He pointed out that Europe has a bright track record of promoting tolerance and positive values. The European Union consists of 28 member states and forbids discrimination in Europe.

He said that people-to-people contacts and mutual understanding could prove beneficial for changing hostile mindsets.

Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad also spoke on the occasion. He emphasized that intolerance is not only limited to Pakistani society. It exists in other parts of the world as well. He called for promoting education for tolerance with a focus on younger generation.

Executive Director Lok Virsa, Dr. Fouzia Saeed pointed to Pakistan’s folk art and tales. These are based on humanity, tolerance, and positive values.

Television anchor Matiullah Jan said there is a need to study our history to end intolerance.

Image: Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani (MNA), EU Ambassador Jean -Francois Cautain, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Mohammad Yousaf, and Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad at the launch. – Image courtesy: Tolerant Pakistan Media Network