KARACHI: Freedom of speech must for democratic society, moot told
By Our Reporter
KARACHI, Aug 29: Freedom of speech is regarded essential for a democratic society and a culture of peace.
This was stated by the participants of a seminar on “Promoting the culture of discussion in our society” on the 10 years’ celebration of the Graduate Studies’ Discussion Group (GSDG) under the Department of International Relations at the Arts Auditorium of Karachi University.
Former minister Javed Jabbar said, “The culture of discussion shows the level of maturity of a society. Education is the best means to inculcate this culture.”
He further said that discussion primarily began at the family level. Therefore, the need is to liberalise the primary levels of society for introducing the culture of discussion.
GSDG in charge Prof (Dr) Moonis Ahmar, in his welcome address, said that the culture of dialogue was imperative for democratizing the society. “It demands a serious attitude of social harmony through tolerance and pluralism,” he added.
Former ambassador Mansur Alam said that freedom of speech was essential for a strong culture of discussion. He said that in order to have a free society there was a need for free press and institutions.
Prof (Dr) Talat A. Wizarat, former chairperson of International Relations Department, said that educational institutions were highly responsible for generating the culture of dialogue and discussion in a society. Pakistani society, in her view, is gradually becoming conducive to the process of discussion and tolerance.
Prof (Dr) Shamsuddin, Dean of Arts Faculty, appreciated the continuation and success of the programme. He said that there should be more such efforts which could lead to strengthening the freedom of speech.
Dr Akbar Zaidi, the renowned economist, said that freedom of speech should be equally available to all sections of society. In this regard, the rights of all must be respected. He said that women, in particular, should be encouraged to have their rightful impact on the society.
Ammara Durrani, a free-lance journalist, maintained that there should be more qualitative approach while exercising the right of freedom of speech. The media, she added, should have newer and fresher vistas of exploration for enlightening the minds of the people.
Jordan James, a final year student of the department, said that the culture of discussion was quintessential for the development of societies. He emphasised over the creation of discussion groups and societies.
Prof (Dr) Pirzada Qasim, the vice-chancellor of Karachi University, said that discussion had a civilizing impact upon people. The educational process should be aimed at developing the critical faculties of students by engaging them in a dialogue and fruitful interaction. “Teachers should not only transmit the facts but also vision and character,” he said.
Democracy, he stressed, was not primarily a political process. This was inherently a social one. It was the classroom environment that decisively could shape the intellectual and democratic values of students.
The culture of dialogue, he said, was fast gaining strength in our society and it would further become fortified.
KARACHI, Aug 29: Freedom of speech is regarded essential for a democratic society and a culture of peace.
