REF:

Rawalpindi - November 17, 2008

No PR-13/2008-ISPR

A week long National Media Workshop – 2 started today at National Defence University, Islamabad. About fifty five participants including eminent journalists, from all over the country are participating in the media workshop. The aim of this workshop is to comprehend the importance of media as an element of national power in the pursuit of national interests.

During the workshop eminent guest speakers including Ms Sherry Rehman, Minister for Information, Dr Shireen Mazari, Mr Javed Jabbar, Mr Ashfaq Gondal, Secretary Information, Ambassadors and Scholars will speak on various issues regarding National Security and the role of media.

On the opening day, Foreign Office Spokesman, Mr Muhammad Sadiq dilated on post 9/11 environment and the role of media in shaping them.

In the second session, Major General Athar Abbas, Director General ISPR delivered his talk on Civil – Military Relations. Director General ISPR dwelt at length on various aspects of Civil – Military Relations and their linkages with National Security. Major General Athar Abbas also highlighted the contribution of Armed Forces in various Nation Building Projects.

Earlier in the opening address, Lieutenant General Muhammad Hamid Khan, President National Defence University, highlighted the importance and scope of the National Media Workshop. He said that the objective of the workshop is to discuss the role of media as an element of national power.

In his welcome address, Major General Azhar Ali Shah, Director General Institute of Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis (ISSRA) said that the media workshop will provide congenial environment to deliberate upon the role of media as an element of national power in pursuit of national interest. Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Ambassador Inam ul Haque, will act as the moderator for the workshop.

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A view of National Media Workshop - 2 which commenced today at National Defence University, Islamabad. (17-11-2008)-Photo ISPR