Media is being used for dividing the world on the basis of the religions

Lahore: In a traditional manner media is being used for dividing the world on the basis of the religions in order to promote religious harmony and create tolerance about diversity of human life on this globe media researchers and communication experts need to promote alternative horizontal approach.

This was the crux of the speeches delivered on the 2^nd day of 3-day international conference on “Freedom of Expression: Glocal Politics of Emotions” of Punjab University Institute of Communication Studies continue  at Avari Hotel here on Tuesday.

The topic of the Day 2 plenary session was “Respecting Life Beyond Religion” moderated by renowned journalist and analyst Talat Hussain.  Dr Muhammad Hafeez, Dr Ayesha Leghari, Dr Zahid Munir Amir and Dr Fernando Resende from Brazil were keynote speakers of the session. Dr Christian Clifford from USA, Dr Elizabeth Eidi from Norway, Dr M A Siddiqui from US, Dr Bushra Rahman, Dr Abida Eijaz, Dr Dr. Noshina Saleem and a large number media academicians and students were present.

Addressing on the main theme, he said that all religions spread peace but a large number of people were killed due to the use and abuse of religions in the world. He said, “Religion is the most humanizing force yet it has mostly dehumanized.”

Dr Fernando Resende’s threw light on the topic of “Power, space, language and experience: political tools in the geopolitics of affections.” He said that media plays a fundamental role when it is definitely site from where discourses on terrorism and universal truths are constantly built. “The association between culture, power and language was fundamental if we think about media and politics of emotion. As we are trespassed by distinct ways of being affected by the different experiences and this is the politics of emotions in terms of media.”

Dr Zahid Munir Amir argued in his paper that the message of love should come from human society and human respect was the basis of knowledge. He said respect for others religions was the main requirement of humanity. The dualism about religion was discarded and wisdom is discouraged. He added that in the period of darkness research was not allowed and freedom of expression was denied.

Dr Ayesha Leghari said that traditional Islamic Theory provides profound arguments for developing deep respect for the truth found in the different religious traditions. She added respecting life beyond religion becomes essential for Muslims because they have been asked by their Prophet Muhammad PBUH to contemplate the beautiful names of God and to see it through His mercy that all human beings are given guidance within their hearts even if they have rejected all forms of organized religions.

Sociologist Dr Muhammad Hafeez said raised the question that how freedom of expression affects society and the societal aspects in the light sociology. He said the society was moving toward isolationism due to increased automation and robotics and the dependency on humans has decreased.

An active question answer session held at the end of every papers plenary session. As many as 16 research papers were presented on the second day. The conference will remained continue until Wednesday (Nov 4).

There were three parallel sessions. Session 3 was chaired by Prof Dr Aman Ullah on the theme “Blasphemy: Legal perspective and remedies” in which five research papers were read. Session 4 was on the theme “Cartoon Communication and Ethical Dilemma” was chaired by Dr Shoukat Mehmood in which four research papers were presented. The last session of the day was on the theme “Blasphemy: Religions in the Contemporary World” was chaired by Religious scholar and researcher Dr Hammad Lakhvi in which three research papers were presented including the paper of Mr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu from Nigeria.

Later, Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Mujahid Kamran hosted a dinner for conference researcher and management team.

It is noteworthy that on Day 3 (Wednesday) as many as  11 research papers will be presented and Punjab Education Minister Rana Mashhood Khan will be the chief guest of the closing ceremony. In the evening a Sufi Musical Night would be organized on the conference theme.