The State Minister and Chairman Commission for Human Development Dr Nasim Ashraf has said the goal of national development cannot be achieved unless every individual is given equal opportunities.
He was delivering the Lecture-2004 on the topic of 'Role of Pakistani Media in Human Development' arranged by the Punjab University Department of Mass Communication here on Wednesday.
'Despite six-percent economic growth rate, Pakistan was lowest in human development index, which was due to lack of political-will, community participation and management skills.
The Commission for Human Development (CHD) has already launched a community mobilisation movement to achieve the goal of development and it's emphasis is on a comprehensive communication strategy for community mobilisation', he added.
Emphasising the effective role of the mass media in persuading the masses towards community participation, he hinted at establishing a robust communication regime to mobilise the masses for human development.
He also sought help from the Punjab University's Department of Mass Communication in launching a pilot project of communication, to create awareness among the people about basic education and healthcare.
Dr Ashraf was of the view that education was a key to alleviate poverty, and the government was focusing on education for all.
During the question-answer session, he announced that the Commission for Human Development would award three prizes for top three ideas about the proposed communication regime.
Speaking on the occasion, vice-chancellor Arshad Mahmood said the media plays a vital role in reformation of society. He said every writing and broadcast production of mass media should be aimed at national development.
He added the implementation of a code of ethics was essentially required for free of flow of information.
Director, Punjab University Human Resources Development Centre, Dr Zafar Iqbal Jadoon said on the occasion that Pakistan stood lowest in human development in South Asia.
He said the media had a great responsibility for social development but the Pakistani media was not playing its due role in human development.
Chairman Department of Mass Communication Dr Mughees Uddin Sheikh asked the government to consult Mass Communication scholars of the university before formulating the country's communication policy.