HUM Network CEO advocates critical evaluation of entertainment

KARACHI: The Pakistan Media Summit 2024, jointly organised by the Karachi Film Society and Habib University in Karachi, convened to deliberate on the pivotal role of media in fostering economic growth and societal progress.

The summit’s inaugural day witnessed two engaging sessions, drawing participation from prominent figures across various sectors.

Gang-related suspects arrested for firing at Salman Khan’s house

The first session featured esteemed individuals such as Arif Habib, Amin Hashwani, Duraid Qureshi, Dr. Ishrat Hussain, and Ahsan Malik, who engaged in insightful discussions on the multifaceted dimensions of media’s impact on the economy.

Duraid Qureshi, CEO of HUM Network, delivered a thought-provoking address, emphasising the significance of ratings in the media landscape. He remarked, “People say don’t look at ratings, I would say go for ratings. It’s not because it’s a race, but because it’s important.” Qureshi underscored the importance of creating compelling content to maintain viewer interest, citing examples such as the acclaimed drama series “Udaari” as pivotal in this regard.

Expressing his stance on the integration of news and entertainment, Qureshi highlighted the need for delineating the two domains. He remarked, “News is not a business. Other channels run entertainment and news on the same channel. I opposed the involvement of news in entertainment.”

British lawmakers to vote on smoking ban for younger generations

Furthermore, Qureshi shed light on the financial considerations within the industry, noting the increasing costs associated with shooting in foreign locales. He advocated for leveraging the scenic beauty of Pakistan’s northern areas for cost-effective production, while also emphasising meticulous attention to detail in costume design within television dramas.