Risks and benefits: Over 1,500 journalists trained on safety measures

Similar sessions will be held in nine districts of K-P

PESHAWAR: Over 1,500 journalists from across the country were trained on safety measure they could adopt while reporting from sensitive areas, read a press release issued on Saturday. According to the document, this was said by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) K-P Coordinator Shamsul Hadi.

The training sessions were held at various press clubs of the province earlier this week.

As per the coordinator, journalists – especially those reporting from conflict-hit areas – have been subjected to threats and violent attacks. “The media can bring democracy and stability,” the document cited Hadi as saying. “It plays an important role in building an open society by providing the public access to balanced and factual information,” “Unfortunately, journalists are working in a very challenging environment in Pakistan,” the press release quoted Hadi as saying. “Many journalists have been killed in the country over the past decade, which is a strong violation of freedom of information.”

The training programme — which was held by International Media Support in collaboration with CPDI — was based on suitable practices adopted across the globe by journalists for their personal safety and security.

Ghais Akram, the master trainer, will impart the similar training in nine districts of K-P.

Hadi said the training would be based on physical and technical guidelines for security of journalists.

The training will also enable media stakeholders to produce a code of conduct, based on consensus, for journalists.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 22^nd, 2016.