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Country to have effective

media deterrent against

Indian propaganda: JJ

ISLAMABAD: Advisor to chief executive on information, Javed Jabbar, said on Saturday that the government will defend "communication frontiers" of the country by developing an effective "media deterrent" against the Indian propaganda.

"The government will use the limited resources available and also involve the private sector to develop an effective media deterrent against the large-proportioned Indian propaganda," he said in response to queries from journalists at the Central Directorate of National Savings.

Jabbar referred to Pakistan's achievement of a minimum deterrent ratio against India in military and nuclear fields and said, the same will be accomplished by allowing private Radio and TV channels in the country.

"We have that ratio of one Pakistani soldier to four Indian troops and India will dare not commit aggression as it knows it will have to pay a heavy price Ñ and we have the deterrence in the nuclear field as well Ñ similarly we will also achieve effective media deterrence".

He told journalists that a consultative meeting of over 50 media experts from across the country agreed on Friday for the need to allow Radio and TV channels in the private sector at national, provincial and district levels.

"That way the private sector will come forward with investment and with participation and empowerment of people at grass roots level, we will effectively counter the Indian propaganda".

However, he made it clear that the final decision vis a vis the policy and framework for allowing private channels will be taken by the chief executive and his cabinet.

"That is not the final decision however, the chief executive and the cabinet will take the final decision in the interests of the country".

Javed Jabbar told a questioner that the government will also take the "basic decision" about the foreign investment in private channels.

"We will, however, recommend that the investment remains Pakistani largely as is the case in other countries and the foreign financial collaboration may take place on minority share basis".

Jabbar said, the government, in its short span, has already countered effectively the Indian propaganda in respect of India's plane hijacking drama.

"With one network we came out with a telling response to their propaganda Ñ and a leading Indian newspaper was compelled to cry that India should do something about Pakistani propaganda blitz".

That was only a glimpse however, as the judicious use of the limited resources will help evolve a more successful media deterrent against Indian propaganda, he added.

Asked how long will the government take in deciding about a policy for private channels, Jabbar said. "We have followed up chief executive's Oct 17 expression of willingness to allow free channels inside 100 days and two weeks after assuming the office, I have held the meeting with media experts Ñ you can judge for yourself as to how much time we will take for the decision".ÑAPP