Reporting on conflict : Speakers for robust training of journalists

ISLAMABAD:

Speakers have underlined the need for independent institutions to provide in-depth knowledge and training to journalists covering conflict, terrorism and defence issues.

They were speaking at the Information Services Academy on the third day of media training workshop organised by the information ministry and the National Press Club.

“When conflict is between two countries, it is easy
to report, but when conflict emerges within a society, where ideological and religious differences prevail, it becomes very difficult to report,” Federal Minister for Information Pervez Rashid said.

Lt-Gen (retd) Talat Masood said that reporting from a conflict zone was very important and a new thing for media in Pakistan. He said that the military did not integrate conflict reporting in its system as the United States did.

“The country needs independent institutions to give in-depth knowledge to journalists to know about conflict issues and nature of conflicts, why people indulge in terrorists’ acts and what are its root causes,” Masood said.

Former inspector-general of the Islamabad Police Kaleem Imam said crime reporters must be wary of the repercussions of their stories.

Social worker Sadaf Khan said that more journalists have recently been attack in cities instead of conflict zones, and that Karachi was the most dangerous city for journalists. “The new perception is emerging that media is doing a role as a party and is losing public confidence due to increasing race for ratings,” she said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st,  2016.