A click away: Web portal launched to promote development journalism

Forum will allow alumni to upload their content, promote development in FATA

PESHAWAR: The University of Peshawar (UoP) Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) department has launched its first website. The web portal, www.iprjmc.org.pk, aims to encourage journalists to adopt ethical practices and promote development journalism in the province.

Over 100 government representatives, media professionals and academics attended the launch ceremony held at the varsity on Thursday.



Speaking on the occasion, Independent Project Reporting Project Coordinator Muhammad Atif said the decision to launch the website will enable alumni upload their content. “The initiative will help ensure development in Fata,” he added.

Teething problems

Addressing participants, JMC Chairperson Dr Altafullah Khan said the decision to begin a development journalism course at the varsity had raised doubts. However, the department managed to survive the wave of scepticism through the Fata Secretariat’s support and concerted efforts made by the team involved in the initiative.

“Many [of our] students have found jobs in various organisations across the country,” he said. According to Altafullah, universities such as National University of Sciences and Technology and Institute of Business Administration had approached the department.  “They want us to teach our development journalism course at their institutes,” he added.

The three-month certification course is a joint venture of the University of Peshawar and Fata Development Programme. So far, seven batches have completed the course. At least 115 students have been trained so far, including students and professionals working with various media and development organisations.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2016.