Afghan and Pakistani journalists in dialogue about media cooperation

An unprecendented gathering in Kabul brought together journalists and editors from Pakistan and Afghanistan to discuss the opportunities for media cooperation between the two countries

The aim of the conference, organised by International Media Support (IMS), in partnership with The Killid Group (TKG) and Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) on 21 – 22 February, was to initiate a dialogue between media specialists from both Afghanistan and Pakistan. The gathering is the first step in the three-year programme that aims to encourage and strengthen a strong working relationship between journalists, editors and media organisations in both countries.

Participants discussed obstacles to and opportunities for cooperation between journalists on both sides of the Pak-Afghan border, ways to overcome them and pursue common interests by increasing collaboration between the media in the two countries. This conference, in an unprecedented manner, brought together several enthusiastic senior media personalities and well-known journalists who agree to strengthen ties and promote better understanding between the people of both countries. (Click on the arrow below to view TV from the meeting report here:)

“Afghan doors are open”

The conference was launched by the Afghan Deputy Minister of Culture and Information, Mr. Mohammad Mobarez Rashedi, who hailed the initiative and pledged all possible support for the project. The Minister of Culture and Information, Mr. Makhdoom Raheen, who joined the conference on its second day, said that Afghan doors and hearts are open for a healthy relationship with Pakistan at every level.

The three-year programme will create a Cooperation Fund and training opportunities that will facilitate bilateral cooperation to cover complex cross-border discourse. This process will be managed through establishing an independent 14-member Joint Advisory Board that will select applicants to the training programme.

Organisational background:

Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS): The Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), an independent think-tank, is dedicated to work for peace and security. In compliance with this purpose, scope of the PIPS activities ranges from research-and-analysis and policy advocacy to implementing certain planned interventions.The PIPS has six principal thematic areas to work on: 1. Radicalization, Political Violence and Terrorism; 2.Media, Human Rights and Democracy; 3.Regional Strategic Issues; 4.Conflict and Development; 5.Economic Strategic Issues; and 6. International Relations and Foreign Policy.

The Killid Group: Today, TKG operates the Radio Killid Network with 24/7 local stations in Kabul, Mazar, Kandahar, Jalalabad, Heart, Khost, and Ghazni.  In 2010 TKG launched Afghanistan’s first radio station dedicated to Rock ‘n’ Roll. Radio Killid Network’s unique blend of public service-oriented programming (cultural, political, developmental and educational programs), news, entertainment and music reaches millions of listeners and many of its original programs and public service announcements are shared with 28 smaller and financially strapped affiliate radio stations throughout rural Afghanistan. TKG is also home to two of Afghanistan’s largest circulating magazines, Killid, and Mursal, exclusive women’s weekly. These magazines are the only two publications to reach Afghanistan’s 34 provinces every week and serve as a valuable public communication and literacy tool for a nation where public libraries and newsstands are minimal at best.

International Media Support (IMS) is a non-profit organisation working to support local media in countries affected by armed conflict, human insecurity and political transition. In more than 50 countries worldwide, IMS helps to strengthen professional journalism and ensure that media can operate in challenging circumstances.

For more information please visit TKG website: www.tkg.af. Phone enquiries to +93202500717