Media matters: Workshop held for safety in journalism

Speakers criticises the government’s lack of commitment in creating a free media in the tribal belt.

KHAR: A one-day workshop titled ‘Safety in Journalism and Rights Monitoring Training’ was held at the Bajaur Press Club on Monday. The session was organised by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in collaboration with an NGO called Intermedia Pakistan. Speakers talked about the importance and dangers of reporting from the tribal areas. Anwarullah Khan, a senior member of a union of journalists from tribal areas, said media houses would benefit from providing training in reporting and professional skills, and ensuring safety measures for journalists. Speakers also criticised the government’s lack of commitment in creating a free media in the tribal belt. They urged the government to extend a press and publication ordinance.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 15^th, 2013.