First-ever media centre opens in Paktia

GARDEZ (PAN’s southeastern zone.

The centre head told Pajhwok Afghan News they would also try to reinvigorate the media outlets that had stopped operations due to financial problems or other difficulties.

Lemar Niazi said the centre, founded in line with Article 9 of Afghanistan’s Media Law, would arrange journalism training courses for youth. He urged media support organisations to promote the freedom of expression and a culture of impartiality.

Assistance to the media sector should in no way damage Afghanistan’s national interest and value systems, Niazi stressed, calling for the creation of an environment where reporting quality and professional responsibility were ensured.

“Over the past deacde, many media outlets were launched but they had to be closed down due to short-term financial support and their refusal to meet inordinate demands from parties to the ongoing conflict,” he remarked.  

Establishment of the centre would helps junior journalists learn from their seniors how to deal with current issues, said Deputy Chancellor of Paktia University Abdul Qadir Khamosh.

“With the inauguration of the facility, journalists of Paktia will be able to forge unity in their ranks, work together and resist undue pressures. As a result, they will better perform their duties,” he remarked.

The head of journalists’ independent association, Niazullah Asil Zazai, said some unethical people in the field, driven by personal interests, were giving the profession a bad name.

myn/mud

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