In a first, some 12 newspapers on both sides of Kashmir have decided to exchange news and views through the Internet.
They will sign a memorandum of understanding to share content “to build a permanent linkage and to understand each other’s problems”. Initially, only apolitical content will be shared.
The arrangement was reached at a meeting of 29 journalists and newspaper owners in Islamabad recently. “We will have a news pool first for joint use of content. A memorandum of understanding will be signed later to have regular coverage,” Shujaat Bukhari, Editor of the Srinagar-based Rising Kashmir , said.
An intra-Kashmir journalist workshop, a joint effort of the Kashmir Initiative Group, the Kashmir Institute of International Relations and the Centre for Peace, Development and Reforms, was held in Pakistan in the last week of August.
“It is unique as journalists on both sides [of Jammu and Kashmir] are able to interact at this level for the first time in 70 years. This provides an opportunity to get direct information,” Ejaz Abbasi, president of the PoK-based Kashmir Journalist Forum, said.
Government backingThe PoK government has decided to support the initiative. “We welcome any measure aimed at connecting the divided parts of Jammu and Kashmir,” said PoK Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majid, a leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party.
