Saleem Safi writes open letter to PM Sharif over media issues

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 14 April 2022 |  Cherie Conela

Prominent presenter Saleem Safi has written an open letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressing concerns about media integrity. He cautions against appointing media personnel to government roles, advocating instead for regulatory measures to combat misinformation.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Prominent television presenter Saleem Safi has urged the newly-elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif not to give any government positions to media persons.

In an open letter to the PM Sharif published in Daily Jang, he wrote: "Instead of controlling the media, just regulate it in consultation with the media organizations to stop the spread of fake news and not give any government position to any media person."

"In the last few years, the media has been divided, and its prestige has been damaged," he wrote. "Please do not try to make the media your tool like the past governments."

"Don't retaliate against media channels, anchors, or writers who have criticized you. Leave their case to Allah and treat all media organizations and media persons equally."

According to him, accepting official positions by media persons is not suitable for the media and the government itself.

KEY POINTS:

• Saleem Safi writes to PM Shehbaz Sharif about media issues.
• Urges against government roles for media personnel.
• Calls for regulation of media in consultation with organizations.
• Warns against dividing media and damaging its prestige.
• Encourages equal treatment of all media channels and journalists.