PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Barrister Masood Kausar has urged media to play its role in presenting true picture of the region and correcting wrong perceptions about its people.
“This region of the world has produced men of intellect, wisdom and leadership quality. Therefore the wrong impression about it and its people needs to be dispelled,” he said.
He urged journalists to play their significant role in making it possible.
The governor was addressing as chief guest a two-day annual conference on `Dynamics of change in conflict societies: Pakhtun region in perspective`. The conference was jointly arranged by department of political science of University of Peshawar (UoP) and Hanns Seidel Foundation of Germany here on Monday, said a handout.
Mr Kausar said that despondency created by the current unrest was evanescent and there was light at the end of tunnel. He said that people at large, particularly youth, were aware of the crisis faced by the country in general and that belt in particular.
“I can see many bright and energetic youth, who are equipped with all needed potentials to bring the region out of the current turmoil,” he added.
The inaugural session of the conference, which was also attended by British, German and Italian scholars besides renowned educationists and researchers from allover the country, was also addressed by UoP Vice-chancellor Dr Azmat Hayat and Hanns Seidel Foundation country director Mr Mrtan.
The governor said that people of that region had rich and distinct history, culture and language. “They have been audacious in most troublesome times and shaped history through their zeal and perseverance,” he said. He added that universities provided wisdom to society.
“It will be my sincere efforts to enable universities to hold conferences, workshops and symposia on the issues of important nature to guide nation to tackle them amicably,” he said.
Mr Kausar said that economy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata badly suffered as the area was frontline in the war against terrorism. The image of area was tarnished, routine life disturbed and almost a quarter of the entire population was dislocated and resettled, he added.
“However, today life is almost normal, institutions are functional, markets are bustling, playgrounds are alive, hospitals remain functional round the clock and educational institutions are operational,” he claimed.
The governor said that extension of Political Parties Act and reforms in Frontier Crimes Regulation were landmark achievements of government.
He appreciated UoP and department of political science for holding the important conference. He also lauded Hanns Seidel Foundation for its support in arranging the moot.
Earlier, UoP vice-chancellor highlighted the importance of the conference. He also mentioned happening of various events, which led to create unrest in the region and its impact on the socio-economic fabric of the society.
He said that war against terrorism left enormous socio-economic impact on life in the province and Fata.
Mr Mrtan mentioned the aims and objective of the organisation and said that it was promoting the process of dialogues in the Pakistani society through holding seminars and conferences.
Source: Dawn
Date:11/15/2011
