KARACHI, May 30: Speakers at a seminar identified the programmes being telecast on a number of foreign and local private television channels a manifestation of capitalism curbing public capacity in making distinction between needs and desires.

The seminar on “Cultural invasion – myths and reality”, organised by the Women Education Forum, was addressed by Dr Shaista Tabassum of Karachi University, Dr Jamal Ara of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Novelist Nighat Abdullah and Political Activist Rabiya Alam.

They said each member of society in his or her capacity would have to effectively combat the scenario causing confusion, distress and depression.

The speakers said basic needs as accessibility to safe water, nutritive food, quality education and adequate employment opportunities were witnessed to be frequently bypassed by desire for luxuries. This is exposing society to the scenario where the difference between have and have nots is turning all the more evident.

Dr Jamal Ara referred to growing cases of attempt to murder being registered among youth, often on slightest pretext and with most insignificant cause. She said the tendency reflected the underlying dissatisfaction and absolute disregard for the blessings one may not exist without - which yet were largely ignored.

The physician made a passionate appeal to each of the audience to see if there were people who might be very much around them with no proper jobs and unable to have a single meal. “Responsibility lies on each of us to be cognisant of the fact, able to distinguish between reality and myths and contribute in helping others,” Dr Jamal Ara said.

Dr Shaista Tabbasum observed that families could play significant role to contain deteriorating values. She referred to studies establishing that close contact between children and their parents, particularly mother extensively contributed to national progress and economic growth in countries like China and Vietnam. She underlined the need to contain generation gap among mothers and kids.—APP