LAHORE: The All-Pakistan Sociological Conference being held here stressed the need of a code of ethics for journalists by the community itself and a Press Council of voluntary character on the model of the British Press Council to implement it for ensuring a healthy future of the Press as an important institution of society. Sociologists from all over Pakistan were discussing a paper “Press and Society” read by Dr Abdus Salam Khurshid of the Journalism Department of the Punjab University. Dr Khurshid, dealing in detail with the problems and the prevailing conditions of the Press in Pakistan, had stressed the need for maintaining ethical values. He said that the keen competition among well-circulated papers during the last five years has created a tendency of sensationalism and playing up crime and sex to attract more readers. As the industry grows further, he added, there will be more of it and if not checked in time it might pose a serious threat to a sound and healthy society.

[Meanwhile, as reported by agencies from Peshawar,] all the political parties here today [April 23] observed Martyrs Day to honour the dead of the 1923 Police firing in Peshawar. The workers of the Pakistan Muslim League held a meeting at their office where speeches were made on the importance of the day. Later, the workers, carrying Muslim League flags, marched through the Qisakhwani Bazar and laid wreaths at the Martyrs Memorial. The local NAP organised a public meeting at Chowk Yadgar which, among others, was addressed by the Council Muslim League and Jamaat-i-Islami leaders. Later a procession was taken out which terminated at the red Martyrs Memorial. Flowers were placed at the memorial. Martyrs Day is observer here on April 23 every year to commemorate the 1923 police firing on a procession which claimed over 100 lives.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play