Dr Aftab Asif describes role of media in a society to resolve psychological problems

Lahore: Role of media in resolving psychological problems being created due to the incidents of terrorism is of great importance. Morale of the people cannot only be raised through positive reporting of incidents of terrorism and natural calamities but they can also be prepared mentally for coping with the menace of terrorism.

These views were expressed by Prof. Dr. Aftab Asif Chairman Psychiatry Department King Edward Medical University while addressing a seminar on the topic of “role of media in a society” at Mayo Hospital today. Representatives of electronic and print media were present on this occasion.

Dr. Aftab Asif apprised the media persons about psychological affects after terrorism. He said that media persons while reporting the incidents of terrorism should keep the fact in view that such questions should be asked from affected persons as could keep their morale high. He said that provision of information to the people is basic right of every journalist but he should also keep in view moral values.

It may be mentioned that after the incident of December 16, Provincial Steering Committee for Psycho Social Trauma was constituted on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. A psychological trauma center has also been set up at King Edward Medical University in this regard and its aim is to provide guideline to the people to save themselves and to cope with the situation arising due to incidents of terrorism, he added.

Dr. Aftab Asif told that this workshop has been arranged for the guidance and training of media men. He said that earlier training has also been imparted to officials of police and Rescue 1122.