Annual Asia News Editors' conference held here lauded the media's role in Pakistan and said it reflected development of a free press in the country. The conference of Asia News Network (ANN), a grouping of 14 newspapers from Asia was arranged by the leading local newspaper, the China Daily. It was attended by about 30 editors and media executives of various regional newspapers.
While reviewing media's role in Asian countries, they noted that a free media policy in Pakistan had not only brought in a variety of new TV and Radio Channels and Newspapers but also enhanced the capabilities of professional journalists to work more effectively.
The editors also paid rich tributes to Pakistani journalists for maintaining quality of their profession and playing an active role in war against terrorism through credible reporting and editorial policies. They also hailed President Musharraf's vision of 'Enlightened Moderation' and assured their support. Pakistan was represented at the conference by the editor-in-chief of The Daily Mail, Makhdoom Babar. The China Daily's editor-in-chief, Zhu Ling was elected Chairman of the ANN for the current year.