A number of Afghan, Pakistani and Tajik journalists gathered in Kabul on Wednesday and discussed the merits of establishing a legal and ethical framework for news media in the region. They said such an agreement would help enforce standards and encourage cooperation.
"I hope that the media can establish a legal framework," a media expert and university lecturer named Nasrullah Stanikzai said. "At least they can build the regional ethical dimensions to pave the ground for the formation of a legal framework."
Those gathered on Wednesday criticized the lack of legal consistencies in the region when it came to media, and said adopting a joint framework would foster greater coordination and harmony amongst outlets.
Addressing the gathering, the head of the Journalism Faculty at Peshawar University said that the mistrust between Pakistan and Afghanistan has in part prevented the formation of a regional agreement.
"Mistrusts still exists between the two countries and efforts are needed to eliminate it," Pakistani journalist Shah Jahan Saeed said.
The Tajik journalists are expected to lead-up the discussion on the strategies for regional cooperation on Thursday.