KARACHI, Feb 16: A code of conduct for TV channels is being prepared by broadcasters and will be implemented as soon as the government approves it.

This was stated by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Syed Sumsam Ali Bukhari while talking to the media after a meeting with religious scholars at Qasr-i-Naz here on Monday.

The minister said that the government had asked broadcasters to prepare such a code of conduct on their own and submit it to the government for approval.

Mr Bukhari said the government believed in freedom of the press, and urged the media to come up with a positive contribution towards streamlining its affairs.

He said the government could only extend suggestions to the media but could not issue directives, “as we do not believe in such a practice.”

He said the government believed in taking along all segments of society.

In reply to a question regarding his meeting with religious scholars, he said it was aimed at reaffirming the government’s resolve to counter terrorism.

“We should condemn terrorism… we ourselves are victims of terrorism… we, the members and supporters of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), have lost our leader Benazir Bhutto to terrorism… her blood demands that we eradicate terrorism from the country.”

He was of the view that militancy was being resorted to by a handful of disgruntled and misled elements.

“Islam is a religion of peace, brotherhood and tolerance,” he added.

Earlier, the minister told the religious scholars at the meeting that Muslims of the world in general and those in Pakistan in particular were facing the scourge of terrorism.

He said that terrorism should be condemned and the spirit of peace, amity and tolerance be fostered.

He urged the Ulema to come up with suggestions for the betterment of the country and the region.

He said the Ulema should work for religious and sectarian harmony and show to the world that minorities in our country lived comfortably.—Agencies