ISLAMABAD, Jan 10: A resolution was adopted by the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors, All Pakistan Newspapers Society and the information ministry here on Thursday saying the evening newspapers would avoid sensationalism in reporting and would not publish obscene material.

The resolution was adopted at a joint meeting presided over by Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider.

“The evening newspapers will play their role with full national responsibility, avoid sensationalism, and will not publish obscene material. The infringers will be taken to the task accordingly,” said a press release quoting the resolution.

The resolution demanded that all the unanimous decisions taken in meetings between the APNS, the CPNE and the information ministry on formulation of code of ethics, the press council and the press ordinance be given practical shape.

Information and Media Development Secretary Syed Anwar Mahmood said the draft laws would be taken up for adoption by the cabinet shortly.

Accepting the proposals by the participants, the minister and the information secretary agreed to lift the ban on daily “Dopehar,” an evening newspaper. They said that the police excesses, if any, in the case would be investigated.

The meeting discussed the problems being faced by the evening newspapers.

APNS Vice-President Zia Shahid, CPNE President Mujeebur Rehman Shami led the newspapers in the meeting, which was also attended by the owners and editors of various eveningers.

Information ministry and Press Information Department officials were also present.—APP