ISTANBUL: Federal Minister of Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar on Saturday met Turkish Presidency’s Head of Communications Fahrettin Alt­un and discussed various issues with him, including strengthening cooperation in the media sector, promoting public diplomacy and eliminating Islamophobia.

They also discussed measures to counter disinformation and misinformation, exchange media delegations, and prepare joint productions.

They agreed to telecast Turkish dramas like Ertugrul Ghazi in Pakistan, including a joint broadcast of PTV and Turkish state TV TRT.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Infor­mation and Broadcasting and the Turkish Directorate of Commu­nications also agreed to form a working group and appoint focal persons from both sides.

Both sides agree to set up working group, appoint focal persons

The minister said that Pakistan and Turkiye have historical and fraternal relations and that there are vast possibilities for cooperation in the field of media.

He said public relations would be more stable with enhanced media cooperation between the two countries.

Cooperation and joint ventures in the field of entertainment and tourism were also discussed in the meeting.

By preparing joint productions, the cultural exchanges between the two countries will be enhanced, Mr Tarar said, adding, “We have to make the young generation aware of the historical relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye.”

Mr Tarar invited Prof Altun to visit Pakistan.

Prof Ultun expressed keen interest in the development of media in Pakistan.

He said Turkish drama Ertugrul Ghazi gained great popularity in Pakistan and added that Pakistani artists and musicians were very popular in Turkiye. Media cooperation between the two countries will help fight Islamophobia and misinformation, he remarked.

Mr Tarar thanked Prof Altun for the coverage of the issue of India-held Jammu and Kashmir in the Turkish media.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2024