Criticizing the tendency to compare living standards and development with Western countries, the Dawn editor said the realities of South Asian countries are different. Instead of comparing themselves with countries like Sweden and Norway, which have much smaller populations, South Asian countries should first identify their common problems and challenges.
Speaking about overcoming the crisis, Zafar Abbas said that the structures of industries, economies and freedoms in developed countries were shaped by different historical realities. Therefore, South Asian countries have to find their way towards media freedom, good governance and development based on their realities.
Other speakers at the discussion included Iftikharuzzaman, executive director of TIB, Kamal Ahmed, consultant editor of The Daily Star, former BBC journalist Shakeel Anwar and Shahid Mohammad Ali, editor of Samakal.