MUZAFFARABAD: Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Chaudhry has pledged to strengthen the state-owned Azad Jammu and Kashmir Television (AJKTV) Centre in terms of infrastructure and resources to effectively counter India’s propaganda, build consensus and promote local talent.

“I strongly believe that our neighbour [India] is investing significantly to fuel anti-Pakistan sentiments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while also attempting to reduce the affection for Kashmiris in Pakistan.

“But these vile ambitions will never succeed,” he said during his visit to AJKTV Centre, which operates out of tin-roof shelters in the heart of the state capital.

The parliamentary secretary, visiting Muzaffarabad as part of a delegation from the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF), was the first federal official to inspect the centre since its only studio was destroyed by fire in August. Since then, the centre has been unable to record or broadcast programmes live.

After inspecting various sections of the centre, Mr Chaudhry gathered feedback from local journalists, anchors, and playwrights, accompanied by General Manager Shahid Cheema and Programme Manager Ghazanfar Abdullah Khan.

He acknowledged that India had made concerted efforts to tarnish Kashmir’s indigenous and popular freedom movement by weaponising the media.

“Their dramas, films, and media coverage constantly try to suggest that we [Pakistan] have instigated the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir against India; otherwise, they are happy with them,” he noted.

“This is 100pc false... Kashmiris are fighting India on their own for their rightful cause, and they have a natural love for Pakistan. We need to effectively use our media to convey this message to the world,” Mr Danyal said.

He also supported the proposal to broadcast local news from the Muzaffarabad centre, adding that he would soon hold a formal meeting to establish procedures.

“Not only will you be kept in the loop, but your ideas will also be sought,” he added.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2024