Seminar highlights media and national identity
Held at the Literary Forum and moderated by Badriya Al Amri, Director of the Ministry's Communication and Media Department, the event featured Dr. Mohammed Awad Al Mashikhi, an academic and expert in public opinion and mass communication.
Dr. Al Mashikhi emphasised that the erosion of national identity can lead to societal fragmentation, leaving communities vulnerable to foreign cultural influences.
In the era of globalisation and digital technology, he noted, national identity faces formidable challenges, with digital media accelerating the spread of Western cultures and ideas that may undermine individuals' pride in their heritage.
Dr. Al Mashikhi stressed the need for a clear media strategy to strengthen national identity by producing visual content aligned with religious and cultural values
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
4 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Pakistani community in Oman mark Independence and Minorities Day
Muscat: Indus Social Club and Latifi Sangat Oman have jointly organised a grand ceremony in Muscat on August 11, 2025, to celebrate Pakistan's Independence Day and Religious Minorities Day. The programme's Chief Guest was Pakistan's Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, Dr. Naveed Safdar Bukhari. Officials of the Embassy of Pakistan attended the programme, as well. Other prominent guests who have participated were Sayed Fayaz Ali Shah, Mian Mohammed Riaz, Haji Iqbal Haryani, Rab Dino Shar, Dr. Aftab Shah, Dr. Danish Shams Memon, Choudhry Shakoor, Raja Akhmat Hayat, Mian Muneer, Ali Ashfaq, Dr. Sharaf Attaullah, Dr. Ahmed Nawaz Hakro, Shandar Bukhari, Imran Toor, Farhan Gillani, Aftab Gillani, Kashif Zaeem, Vikram Kessani, Dr Rakesh Kumar, Dr. Devi Das, Dr. Prem Chand, Engineer Dileep Kumar, Sandeep Kumar, and from the Christian Community, Zeerash Denial, Asif David, William John and the large number of community members attended the function. The function was organised at the Park Inn Radisson Hotel in Azaiba, Muscat. The programme started with Talawat Quran Pak, Gayatri mantra, and holy prayer of Christianity, and later the Pakistan National Anthem was played. The Ambassador of Pakistan, Dr. Naveed Safdar Bukhari, Sayed Fayaz Shah Sahab, and Usman Lakhan were decorated with a Lungi gift. The welcome speech was delivered by Dileep Kumar, who emphasised the August 11, 2025, speech of Quaid-e-Azam, the Founder of the country, and he emphasised that Quaid's vision was that all the believers in the new state would be equally treated. Dr. Dileep Kumar said they are overseas Pakistanis and are a religious minority, and the majority must take care of the minority; and the same way, the religious majority must take care of the liberty and beliefs of the religious minority. The religious minorities play a key role in the development and progress of the country. He prayed and wished together we may create religious harmony and brotherhood of all beliefs and work hard for the prosperity and progress of the country. The speakers praised the role of the armed forces for their recent victory. On this occasion, Ali Ahsfaq Mangi, Dr. Sharaf Attaullah, Raja Akhmat Hayat, and, at the end, HE, the ambassador of Pakistan in Oman, Dr. Naveed Safdar Bukhari addressed the house, and he emphasised the value of independence and worked hard for the betterment of the country. He has also emphasised that all the religious minorities are equal citizens of the country, and they played a critical and crucial role in the prosperity of the country. At the end of the programme, the cake-cutting ceremony was held. The programme was hosted by Barakat Shaikh and the technical organiser, Chattan Balach. At the end of the programme, Dr. Ahmed Nawaz Hakro thanked all the guests and HE the ambassador, and the organisers. The programme organisers were Dr. Dileep Kumar, Usman Lakhan, and Asim Siddiqui arranged dinner and group photo.
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
Over 1,000 human rights cases documented in 2024: OHRC
Muscat: Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) received and documented a total of 1,006 cases in 2024, including 47 complaints and 22 reports, while 937 cases were provided with legal support. These cases spanned various civil, political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and developmental rights, as well as the rights of vulnerable groups. This was unveiled during a press conference held today by Oman Human Rights Commission, which highlighted its key efforts in 2024, including monitoring and receiving complaints, responding to regional and international reports, and organizing internal and external activities. Dr. Rashid Hamad Al Balushi, Chairman of Oman Human Rights Commission, stated that the commission continues its national role in protecting and promoting human rights, guided by its mandate and the principles enshrined in the Basic Law of the State and international conventions to which Oman is a signatory. He affirmed the commission's commitment to enhancing its operational mechanisms and strengthening its role as an independent national institution dedicated to fostering a culture of human rights, citizenship, justice, and human dignity in Oman. Al Balushi explained that the commission's vision is to serve as an effective national platform supporting and protecting human rights across all segments of society and institutions. Its mission is to instill a human rights culture, promote its practice, and safeguard these rights in accordance with local and international laws and principles. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Royal Oman Police in upholding human rights, particularly in services provided to inmates and detainees. During field visits to the central prison, the commission verified that health, educational, legal, sports, training, recreational, and hobby-related services met appropriate standards. He noted that press freedom is a cornerstone of freedom of expression, highlighting Oman's 18-place rise in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index issued by Reporters Without Borders compared to 2023. The index evaluates 180 countries annually based on five criteria: political context, legal framework, economic environment, sociocultural factors, and safety. Al-Balushi also revealed that the National Human Rights Strategy will be launched on 10 December, encompassing various aspects to strengthen and protect human rights in Oman in line with the Basic Law of the State and international conventions ratified by the Sultanate of Oman's. The commission, he added, provided legal support for 937 cases this year, assisting individuals in resolving their issues through proper legal channels, in accordance with national laws and international agreements. This support covered civil, political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and developmental rights. In conclusion, Dr. Al Balushi stated that the commission responded to several international governmental and non-governmental reports, including Amnesty International's 2022/2023 Annual Report on human rights in Oman, the U.S. State Department's 2023 Annual Report on human rights in Oman, and its 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report, which assessed Oman's anti-trafficking efforts in 2022.
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
HM the Sultan sends verbal message to Emir of Kuwait
Kuwait: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has sent a verbal message to Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait. The message dealt with the bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them across all fields. The message was delivered by Sayyid Hamoud Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior, when he was received by the Emir at Bayan Palace today. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen them in various areas. The meeting was attended from the Omani side by Major General Khalifa Ali Al Siyabi, Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Administrative and Financial Affairs, and Dr. Saleh Amer Al Kharousi, Oman's accredited ambassador to Kuwait. From the Kuwaiti side, attendees included Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, along with several other officials from both countries.
