LAHORE, July 21: Punjab University's Sheikh Zayed Islamic Centre in collaboration with the Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad, arranged a round-table discussion on religious journalism here on Wednesday.

The discussion titled 'journalism and research in religious institutes: present situation and future strategy' was held at the New Campus. Islamic Studies Oriental College Dean Prof Dr Muhammad Ikram and former dean Dr Zahoor Ahmad Azhar were the chief guests while South Asian Studies Centre Adviser Dr Rafique Ahmed chaired the seminar.

Dr Mugheesuddin Sheikh, PU's Mass Communication Department Chairman, in his keynote address highlighted different forms of religious journalism being practised and urged the need for simplifying the language of such magazines to facilitate the readers who have less comprehension of Arabic and Persian. He stressed the need for avoiding bias in research articles.

Talking about 'tradition of research in madaris: historical perspective' Abdur Rahman Madni briefed the house about different phases of research in religious institutions of the sub-continent and Pakistan.

Presenting his paper - 'contemporary religious journalism' Dr Ahsan Akhter Naz said the number of journalistic publications on religious subjects had risen to 120 in 20 years. Zahirur Rashidi and Prof Dr Jamila Shaukat also spoke on the occasion.

Anchored by Dr Khalid Rehman from IPS, the moot was also participated by Dr Miskeen Ali Hijazi, Abdul Qayyum Qureshi, Javed Iqbal, representatives from religious schools, seminaries, scholars, editors of religious magazines and a number of students. - APP