MEDIA URGED TO HELP IN FIGHT AGAINST DRUG MENACE

Speakers at a media seminar on "nationwide awareness against drug
hazards" highlighted the role of media in containing the drug menace.

The public relations department of the Ministry of Interior (MoI)
organised the seminar.

Stressing the role of media in society, head of media and technical
production at Fanar, Abdul Salam al-Basyouni, said a positive media
could also influence the government in issuing directives and
decision-making.

Urging journalists to take up such issues as drug addiction
seriously, al-Basyouni said the media should use its reach to tackle
such perils in the society.

The speaker also stressed the importance of media displaying more
flexibility and changing its policies from time to time.

Ashraf Jalal Hassan of Qatar University said the media should have an
elaborate strategy to counter the drug menace in the community.
"Whatever information the media wants to convey, efforts should be
made to reach the targeted sections. Jalal Hassan is an associate
professor in the department of media.

Abdullah Jumua al-Kubaisi, a professor at Qatar University, recalled
some of the successes against the drug menace at the international
levels.

Later, Brigadier Mohamed Mubarak al-Khulaifi gave away certificates
to participants.