Pakistan Press Foundation calls for applications for the PPF Media Safety Reporting Fellowship.

The deadline for submission of applications is June 1, 2025.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) invites applications for the Media Safety Reporting Fellowship, a program designed to enhance the capacity and resilience of journalists to carry out impactful investigative reporting on journalist safety issues in Pakistan.

This fellowship seeks to promote investigative journalism practices, contribute to informed public discourse on media safety, and support policy and advocacy efforts aimed at improving protections for journalists. Fellows will receive training and mentorship to develop in-depth stories focused on media safety, threats to freedom of expression, and impunity for crimes against journalists.

What the Fellowship Offers:

• Fellows will receive an honorarium of up to PKR 60,000 to support their content production.
• Participate in two capacity-building workshops designed to sharpen your investigative journalism skills and deepen your understanding of media safety issues.
• Engage in personalized online mentoring sessions with seasoned journalists and subject-matter experts who will provide story-specific editorial guidance throughout the fellowship.
• Receive hands-on support to develop, refine, and publish six impactful investigative stories—each focused on a key aspect of media safety and freedom of expression.

Preference will be given to fellows who will commit to investigating impunity for specific cases of journalists killed or injured.

Eligibility:

• Three to five years of journalism experience
• Women journalists, members of vulnerable communities, and journalists from underserved regions—including Balochistan, Newly Merged Tribal Districts, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir—are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Journalists with experience in video production and multimedia storytelling are also encouraged to apply.

Applicants must send the following:

• Fellowship application form
• Copy of press card or employment letter
• Resume/CV
• Links or copies of at least three stories published or broadcast in the last twelve months.

Applications should be sent to ppfsafetyfellowships@pakistanpressfoundation.org  

The deadline for submitting applications is June 1, 2025.  Applications received after the due date will not be entertained.

PPF Application Form (English)

Google Form

PPF Application Form (Urdu)

 Google Form Urdu

پاکستان پریس فاؤنڈیشن میڈیا سیفٹی رپورٹنگ فیلوشپ کے لیے درخواستیں طلب کر رہی ہے۔

درخواستیں جمع کرانے کی آخری تاریخ 1 جون2025 ہے۔

پاکستان پریس فاؤنڈیشن میڈیا سیفٹی رپورٹنگ فیلوشپ کے لیے درخواستیں طلب کی جارہی ہیں، جو ایک ایسا پروگرام ہے جس کا مقصد صحافیوں کی تحقیقاتی رپورٹنگ کی صلاحیت اور مضبوطی کو بڑھانا ہے تاکہ وہ پاکستان میں صحافیوں کی حفاظت کے مسائل پر مؤثر رپورٹنگ کر سکیں۔

اس فیلوشپ کا مقصد تحقیقاتی صحافت کو فروغ دینا، میڈیا سیفٹی پر عوامی شعور میں اضافے میں کردار ادا کرنا، اور ایسے پالیسی و وکالتی اقدامات کی حمایت کرنا ہے جو صحافیوں کے تحفظ کو بہتر بنائیں۔ فیلوشپ حاصل کرنے والے صحافیوں کو تربیت اور رہنمائی فراہم کی جائے گی تاکہ وہ میڈیا سیفٹی، آزادی اظہار پر خطرات، اور صحافیوں کے خلاف جرائم میں عدم سزا جیسے موضوعات پر تفصیلی رپورٹس تیار کر سکیں۔

:فیلوشپ میں شامل ہے

۔ فیلوشپ حاصل کرنے والے صحافیوں کو مواد کی تیاری میں معاونت کے لیے 60,000 روپے تک اعزازیہ دیا جائے گا۔

۔ دو استعدادکار بڑھانے والی ورکشاپس میں شرکت کا موقع دیا جائے گا، جن کا مقصد تحقیقاتی صحافت کی مہارتوں کو نکھارنا اور میڈیا سیفٹی کے مسائل کی گہری سمجھ فراہم کرنا ہے۔

۔ تجربہ کار صحافیوں اور موضوعاتی ماہرین کے ساتھ ذاتی نوعیت کے آن لائن رہنمائی سیشنز میں شرکت، جہاں ہر اسٹوری کے لیے ادارتی رہنمائی فراہم کی جائے گی۔

۔ عملی معاونت فراہم کی جائے گی تاکہ منتخب فیلو چھ (6) تحقیقاتی رپورٹس بہتر تیار اور شائع کر سکیں — ہر رپورٹ میڈیا سیفٹی اور آزادی اظہار کے کسی نہ کسی اہم پہلو پر مرکوز ہو گی۔

ترجیح اُن درخواست دہندگان کو دی جائے گی جو اُن مخصوص کیسز کی تحقیق کے لیے پرعزم ہوں جن میں صحافیوں کو قتل یا زخمی کیا گیا اور مجرموں کو سزا نہیں ملی۔

:اہلیت کے معیار

صحافت میں تین سے پانچ سال کا تجربہ
خواتین صحافی، پسماندہ طبقات سے تعلق رکھنے والے افراد، اور کم سہولیات والے علاقوں — بشمول بلوچستان، نئے ضم شدہ قبائلی اضلاع، گلگت بلتستان، اور آزاد جموں و کشمیر — سے تعلق رکھنے والے صحافیوں کو درخواست دینے کی بھرپور حوصلہ افزائی کی جاتی ہے۔
ویڈیو پروڈکشن اور ملٹی میڈیا اسٹوری ٹیلنگ کا تجربہ رکھنے والے صحافی بھی درخواست دے سکتے ہیں۔

درخواست گزار کو درج ذیل دستاویزات جمع کرانا ہوں گی:

فیلوشپ درخواست فارم
پریس کارڈ یا ادارے کا ملازمت نامہ
ریزیومے / سی وی
گزشتہ بارہ مہینوں میں شائع یا نشر ہونے والی کم از کم تین رپورٹس کے لنکس یا کاپیاں

درخواستیں درج ذیل ای میل ایڈریس پر بھیجی جائیں:
ppfsafetyfellowships@pakistanpressfoundation.org

درخواستیں جمع کرانے کی آخری تاریخ: 1 جون، 2025
مقررہ تاریخ کے بعد موصول ہونے والی درخواستوں کو قابلِ غور نہیں سمجھا جائے گا۔

(درخواست فارم (انگریزی
درخواست فارم (اردو)

گوگل فارم (انگریزی)

گوکل فارم (اردو)

Call for Applications: Training on Holistic Safety & Use of RTI for Journalists from Balochistan

Application Deadline: May 27, 2025

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) invites applications from journalists and media professionals based in Balochistan, including freelance journalists, for a three-day capacity-building training focused on enhancing personal safety and professional capacity. This in-depth training aims to strengthen journalists’ ability to navigate the complex challenges of their work environment by addressing both holistic safety practices and the use of the Right to Information (RTI) mechanism for more effective journalism.

The training will focus on holistic safety and Right to Information (RTI) laws to strengthen journalists’ ability to work safely and effectively. Participants will gain practical skills to enhance their physical, digital, and psychosocial well-being, including risk assessment, cybersecurity, and mental health support. Alongside this, the training will provide an understanding of the RTI framework in Pakistan, enabling journalists to use public information laws to support investigative reporting, promote accountability, and confront the culture of impunity surrounding attacks on the media.

Who Should Apply:

Journalists and media professionals based in Balochistan, including freelancers and contributors to print, electronic, or digital outlets seeking to enhance both their personal safety and investigative capacity through informed use of RTI laws.

Event Details:

• Duration: Three days
• Date: June 2025 (Dates to be shared with selected participants)
• Venue: Karachi, Sindh (Venue details will be provided upon selection)

Application Deadline: May 27, 2025

How to Apply:

Complete the application form at the following link: Application Form

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please ensure all required information is provided.

We look forward to receiving your applications and to an impactful three days of learning, collaboration, and empowerment!

Read details in Urdu here.

درخواستیں طلب کی جا رہی ہیں: بلوچستان کے صحافیوں کے لیے ہمہ گیر تحفظ اور معلومات تک رسائی کے استعمال پر تربیت
درخواست جمع کرانے کی آخری تاریخ: 27 مئی 2025

پاکستان پریس فاؤنڈیشن بلوچستان سے تعلق رکھنے والے صحافیوں اور میڈیا سے وابستہ پیشہ ور افراد، بشمول فری لانس صحافیوں، سے درخواستیں طلب کر رہی ہے۔ یہ تین روزہ استعداد کار میں اضافے کی تربیت صحافیوں کی ذاتی حفاظت اور پیشہ ورانہ صلاحیتوں کو بہتر بنانے پر مرکوز ہے۔ یہ جامع تربیت صحافیوں کو اُن کے کام کے پیچیدہ ماحول میں درپیش چیلنجز سے مؤثر انداز میں نمٹنے کے لیے تیار کرے گی، جس میں ہمہ گیر تحفظ کے اصولوں اور معلومات تک رسائی کے حق کے استعمال پر خصوصی توجہ دی جائے گی تاکہ صحافت کو مزید مؤثر اور ذمہ دار بنایا جا سکے۔

تربیت کا محور ہمہ گیر تحفظ اور معلومات تک رسائی کے قوانین پر ہو گا، تاکہ صحافی محفوظ اور مؤثر انداز میں اپنے فرائض انجام دینے کے قابل ہو سکیں۔ شرکاء کو ایسی عملی مہارتیں سیکھنے کا موقع ملے گا جو اُن کی جسمانی، ڈیجیٹل، اور نفسیاتی فلاح و بہبود کو بہتر بنائیں گی، جن میں خطرے کا تجزیہ، سائبر سیکیورٹی، اور ذہنی صحت سے متعلق معاونت شامل ہیں۔ اس کے ساتھ ساتھ، تربیت میں پاکستان میں معلومات تک رسائی کے قانونی ڈھانچے کی سمجھ بھی فراہم کی جائے گی، تاکہ صحافی عوامی معلومات کے قوانین کو استعمال کرتے ہوئے تحقیقاتی صحافت کو فروغ دے سکیں، احتساب کو یقینی بنا سکیں، اور میڈیا پر حملوں کے خلاف عدم سزا کے کلچر کا مؤثر طور پر مقابلہ کر سکیں۔

:کون درخواست دے سکتا ہے

بلوچستان میں مقیم صحافی اور میڈیا سے وابستہ پیشہ ور افراد، بشمول فری لانس صحافی اور پرنٹ، الیکٹرانک یا ڈیجیٹل پلیٹ فارمز کے معاونین، جو معلومات تک رسائی کے قوانین کے مؤثر استعمال کے ذریعے اپنی ذاتی حفاظت اور تحقیقاتی صلاحیت کو بہتر بنانا چاہتے ہیں۔

:تفصیلات
دورانیہ: تین دن
تاریخ: جون 2025 (حتمی تاریخوں سے منتخب شرکاء کو آگاہ کیا جائے گا)
مقام: کراچی، سندھ (مقام کی تفصیلات منتخب امیدواروں کو فراہم کی جائیں گی)

درخواست جمع کرانے کی آخری تاریخ: مئی 27، 2025

:درخواست دینے کا طریقہ
درج ذیل لنک پر موجود درخواست فارم کو مکمل کریں:

https://forms.gle/UvEHEqGEVz2VNWtv5 : درخواست فارم

صرف شارٹ لسٹ کیے گئے امیدواروں سے رابطہ کیا جائے گا۔ برائے مہربانی تمام ضروری معلومات فراہم کرنا یقینی بنائیں۔

ہم آپ کی درخواستوں کے منتظر ہیں اور سیکھنے، اشتراک اور بااختیار بنانے کے تین بامقصد دنوں کی توقع رکھتے ہیں!

Read details in English here.

This training session will focus on enhancing the understanding of the RTI mechanism amongst journalists and media stakeholders. It will also provide participants with an understanding the nature of attacks on the media. 

This training is part of PPF’s ongoing efforts to empower journalists with the knowledge of the RTI mechanism as an effective tool that can assist them in navigating their profession safely and effectively and help address the culture of impunity surrounding attacks on the media. 

Who Should Apply:

• Journalists and media professionals from Sindh.
• Individuals actively working in the media seeking to enhance their understanding of RTI laws and to develop an awareness of media safety in the province and country. 

Event Details:

• Date: February 2025 (Date to be shared with selected participants)
• Venue: Karachi, Sindh (Venue to be shared with selected participants)
• Duration: Full day

Application Deadline:

• Please submit your application by February 18, 2025.

Interested candidates are required to fill out the application form linked below. Please provide all requested details to be considered for participation in the training session. Selected candidates will be informed.

Application Form: https://forms.gle/E53fTKtvLiNvQQ5XA 

We look forward to receiving your applications and an engaging training session! 

اردہ میں تفصیلات 

یہ تربیت صحافیوں اور میڈیا اسٹیک ہولڈرز کے درمیان آر ٹی آئی کے طریقہ کار کی تفہیم کو بہتر بنانے پر مرکوز ہوگی۔ یہ شرکاء کو میڈیا پر ہونے حملوں کی نوعیت کو سمجھنے کا موقع بھی فراہم کرے گی۔

یہ تربیتی سیشن  پی پی ایف کی جاری کاوشوں کا حصہ ہے جس کا مقصد صحافیوں کو آر ٹی آئی میکانزم کے بارے میں آگاہ کرنا ہے تاکہ وہ اپنی پیشہ ورانہ ذمہ داریاں محفوظ اور مؤثر طریقے سے انجام دے سکیں اور یہ طریقہ کار انہیں میڈیا پر حملوں کے حوالے سے استثنیٰ کے کلچر سے نمٹنے میں بھی مدد کر سکتا ہے۔

کون درخواست دے سکتا ہے؟

سندھ کے صحافی اور میڈیا پروفیشنلز۔
وہ افراد جو میڈیا میں سرگرم ہیں اورآر ٹی آئی قوانین کو سمجھنا چاہتے ہیں، نیز سندھ اور پاکستان میں میڈیا سیفٹی کے حوالے سے آگہی حاصل کرنا چاہتے ہیں۔

: تفصیلات

تاریخ: فروری 2025 (منتخب شرکاء کو آگاہ کیا جائے گا)

مقام: کراچی، سندھ (منتخب شرکاء کو تفصیلات دی جائیں گی)

دورانیہ: ایک پورا دن 

درخواست جمع کرانے کی آخری تاریخ: فروری 18، 2025 ہے۔

دلچسپی رکھنے والے امیدوار نیچے دیے گئے درخواست فارم کو پُر کریں۔ تمام مطلوبہ تفصیلات فراہم کرنا ضروری ہے تاکہ آپ کی درخواست پر غور کیا جا سکے۔ منتخب شرکاء کو مطلع کیا جائے گا۔

:درخواست فارم

https://forms.gle/TmKaC7zGUDoGgy7r9

ہم آپ کی درخواستوں کے منتظر ہیں اور ایک معلوماتی و مفید تربیتی سیشن میں آپ کی شرکت کے خواہاں ہیں۔

For details in English visit: http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/capacity-building-training-on-utilizing-rti-mechanism-for-journalists-in-sindh/

 دیہی میڈیا سپورٹ پروگرام

کیا آپ بلوچستان، خیبر پختونخوا، سندھ، یا جنوبی پنجاب میں قائم ایک آزاد میڈیا آؤٹ لیٹ ہیں؟ ہم آپ کو ایک منفرد دو سالہ پروگرام کے لیے درخواست دینے کی دعوت دیتے ہیں جو آپ کی تنظیم کی صلاحیتوں کو مضبوط کرے گا، آپ کے مواد کی پیداوار کو بہتر بنائے گا، اور دیگر دیہی میڈیا اداروں کے ساتھ مشترکہ وکالت اور تعاون کو فروغ دے گا۔

پروگرام کے فوائد:

اس پروگرام میں شرکت کے ذریعے، میڈیا آؤٹ لیٹس یہ مواقع حاصل کریں گے:

1. اپنی داخلی صلاحیتوں کو مضبوط بنائیں تاکہ وہ زیادہ محفوظ، جامع، اور بہتر انداز سے کام کر سکیں۔
2.  مواد کی پیداوار کی مہارتوں کو بہتر بنائیں اور میڈیا میں دیہی آوازوں کی نمائندگی کو فروغ دیں۔
3.  دیگر دیہی آزاد میڈیا اداروں کے ساتھ روابط قائم کریں تاکہ علاقائی سطح پر سیکھنے اور مشترکہ وکالت کے مواقع سے فائدہ اٹھا سکیں۔

پروگرام کی ساخت:

یہ پروگرام اکتوبر 2024 سے اکتوبر 2026 تک چلے گا اور اس میں درج ذیل اجزاء شامل ہوں گے:

 ۱- تربیتی سیشنز

پورے پروگرام کے دوران، منتخب میڈیا آؤٹ لیٹس تربیتی سیشنز کی ایک سیریز میں حصہ لیں گے جو درج ذیل شعبوں میں اپنی داخلی صلاحیتوں کو مضبوط کرنے کے لیے ڈیزائن کیا گیا ہے:

• جنس اور اسکی بہتر شمولیت
• (ڈیجیٹل) حفاظت
• اندرونی حکمرانی اور تنظیمی طریقہ کار
• ناظرین/ قارئین کی مشغولیت
• متبادل پروڈکشن ماڈل اور SWOT تجزیہ

ماہرین کی ایک ٹیم کی قیادت میں تربیتی سیشنز ہر منتخب ساتھی ادارے کی مخصوص ضروریات کو پورا کرنے کے لیے تیار کیے جائیں گے۔ یہ تربیتی نشستیں ایک مخلوط طرز میں منعقد کی جائیں گی، آن لائن اور آن سائٹ بات چیت کو ملایا جائے گا۔ براہ راست سیشنز کے دوران، شرکاء کو پہلے سے طے شدہ اہداف کی طرف اپنی پیشرفت کا باقاعدگی سے جائزہ لینے، تفویض کے نتائج کا جائزہ لینے اور ماہر ٹیم سے رہنمائی حاصل کرنے کا موقع ملے گا۔

۲ -فیلو شپس:

منتخب شدہ میڈیا ادارے اور ان کے متعلقہ (فری لانس) صحافی بھی چھ ماہ کی چار دورانیے والی فیلوشپ میں شرکت کریں گے جو مواد کی پیداوار کی مہارتوں کو بڑھانے اور پاکستانی میڈیا میں دیہی آوازوں کی نمائندگی کو بڑھانے کے لیے تیار کی گئی ہیں۔

منتخب میڈیا ادارے ماہرین کی طرف سے فراہم کردہ تربیتی ورکشاپس کی ایک سیریز کے ذریعے اپنی مواد کی تیاری کی مہارت کو بہترکریں گے۔ یہ مندرجہ ذیل موضوعات پر توجہ مرکوز کریں گے:

• ڈیجیٹل کہانی سنانے، سامعین کی مشغولیت، اور متبادل پیداوار/کاروباری ماڈل، بشمول مصنوعی ذہانت (AI) کا استعمال-
• اخلاقی صحافت، حقائق کی جانچ، اور جھوٹی/غلط معلومات کی تصدیق اور تردید
• جامع رپورٹنگ

اس کے علاوہ، فیلوشپ کے شرکاء کو ایسے مواد کی تیاری میں ماہرین کی مدد حاصل ہوگی جو پاکستان میں دیہی کمیونٹی، خواتین، اور پسماندہ گروہ کی آوازوں کو اجاگر کرے، اور میڈیا کے زیادہ جامع اور متنوع منظرنامے میں حصہ ڈالتا ہے۔

۳-حمایتی اقدامات

منتخب شدہ میڈیا اداروں کو ایک مخصوص نیٹ ورک کے ذریعے دیگر دیہی میڈیا اداروں کے ساتھ بات چیت، تبادلہ خیال، اور رابطہ قائم کرنے کا موقع بھی ملے گا۔ اس اقدام کے تحت، تین اتحاد سازی ورکشاپس کا انعقاد کیا جائے گا تاکہ باہمی تعاون کو فروغ دیا جا سکے اور درج ذیل موضوعاتی چیلنجز پر مشترکہ حمایتی اقدامات کو تحریک دی جا سکے:

• آزادی صحافت اور صحافیوں کی جسمانی حفاظت
• میڈیا کے شعبے میں صنف، تنوع اور شمولیت
• میڈیا پر ابھرتی ہوئی ٹیکنالوجیز کا اثر
• مالی استحکام

ان اتحاد سازی ورکشاپس کے دوران، منتخب شدہ ادارے ہر موضوعاتی چیلنج کے لیے مخصوص اہداف مقرر کریں گے اور ان کو پورا کرنے کے لیے عمل کے منصوبے تیار کریں گے جو پروگرام کے دوران نافذ کیے جائیں گے۔

درخواست کا طریقہ کار

کون درخواست دے سکتا ہے؟

ہم میڈیا آؤٹ لیٹس کی درخواستوں کا خیرمقدم کرتے ہیں جو درج ذیل اہلیت کے معیار پر پورا اترتی ہیں:

• بلوچستان، خیبر پختونخواہ ، سندھ، یا جنوبی پنجاب میں واقع ہے۔
• کم از کم 1 سال سے آپریشنل
• مالی اور ادارتی طور پر آزاد
• صنفی مساوات اور شمولیت کے لیے پرعزم
• مفاد عامہ کی صحافت میں فعال طور پر مصروف
• معقول صلاحیت، حالیہ سرگرمی، اور زمین پر موجودگی ثابت کرنے کے قابل

درخواست جمع کروانے کا طریقہ

اپنی پسند کی زبان میں درخواست فارم ڈاؤن لوڈ کریں:

• انگریزی میں درخواست فارم 
• اردو میں درخواست فارم 

براہ کرم درخواست فارم کے تمام حصوں کو پُر کریں، اس بات کو یقینی بناتے ہوئے کہ فراہم کردہ تمام معلومات درست اور تازہ ترین ہیں۔

مکمل کرنے کے بعد، اپنی درخواست کو [ruralmediasupport@protonmail.com ] پر ای میل کے ذریعے بھیجیں، اور موضوع کے لائن میں درج ذیل لکھیں: “دیہی میڈیا سپورٹ پروگرام کے لیے درخواست – [آپ کے ادارے کا نام اور صوبہ]”

براہ کرم نوٹ کریں کہ آپ کو انگریزی یا اردو میں صرف ایک درخواست فارم جمع کرنا ہوگا، اور مختلف ٹیمپلیٹس یا فارمیٹس کا استعمال کرتے ہوئے جمع کرائی گئی درخواستیں قبول نہیں کی جائیں گی۔

جمع کرانے کی آخری تاریخ 15 ستمبر 2024 ہے۔ براہ کرم نوٹ کریں کہ صرف آخری تاریخ تک بھیجی گئی مکمل درخواستوں پر ہی غور کیا جائے گا۔

منتخب کرنے کا طریقہ کار

درخواستوں کا جائزہ سلیکشن کمیٹی کے ذریعہ درج ذیل انتخابی معیار کی بنیاد پر کیا جائے گا:

• مالی اور ادارتی آزادی
• صنف کو مرکزی دھارے میں لانے اور شمولیت کے لیے عزم ظاہر کیا۔
• مفاد عامہ کی صحافت میں فعال مشغولیت
• دو سالہ پروگرام میں شرکت کا عزم
• ترقی کی صلاحیت
• مشغول سامعین 

انتخابی کمیٹی تمام جمع کردہ درخواستوں کا تفصیلی جائزہ لے گی اور ایسے میڈیا اداروں کی شارٹ لسٹ تیار کرے گی جو پروگرام کے لیے سب سے زیادہ موزوں سمجھے جائیں، درخواست فارم میں فراہم کردہ معلومات کی بنیاد پر۔ شارٹ لسٹ کیے گئے امیدواروں کوحتمی منتخب کردہ آؤٹ لیٹ کے عمل کے حصے کے طور پر انٹرویو میں شرکت کی دعوت دی جائے گی۔

درخواست دہندگان کو درخواستوں کی وصولی کی مدت کے اختتام کے بعد زیادہ سے زیادہ 1 ماہ کے اندر ان کی درخواست کی حتمی حیثیت کے بارے میں مطلع کیا جائے گا۔

مالی معاونت

براہ کرم نوٹ کریں کہ پروگرام کی پوری مدت کے دوران شرکاء کے ٹرانسپورٹ اورٹھہرنے کے اخراجات منتظمین برداشت کریں گے۔

کسی بھی سوالات یا مزید معلومات کے لیے، براہ کرم رابطہ کریں [ruralmediasupport@protonmail.com ]

]]> http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/call-for-applications-rural-media-support-programme/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=call-for-applications-rural-media-support-programme Mon, 02 Sep 2024 09:50:50 +0000 https://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org/?p=111806 Continue reading "CALL FOR APPLICATIONS — Rural Media Support Programme"

Journalists from across the country shared the challenges they faced, including criticism and censorship from state and non-state actors, which resulted in self-censorship, the challenge of unannounced censorship, and the “haunting influence” of militant organizations that cast a shadow over reporting from certain areas. 

During the workshop, renowned journalist and trainer Mubasher Bukhari provided crucial guidance to the fellows on how to navigate and work safely in volatile regions. Participants were given training on first aid, identifying and mitigating potential risks, and employing digital security measures.

The workshop addressed the pressing issue of encountering landmines in conflict zones and provided comprehensive guidelines to the participants on how to identify and avoid them. Journalists were also trained in responding to threats and violence, whether from hostile crowds during demonstrations or potential bomb attacks or booby traps.

The threat to journalists’ lives in Pakistan has been a longstanding concern, with PPF documenting at least 76 killings of journalists and media professionals since 2002. The figures paint a grim picture, revealing 18 killings in Sindh province, 21 in Balochistan province, 29 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, 5 in Punjab province, and 3 in the capital city, Islamabad.

What is more troubling is the lack of accountability for these attacks, allowing the perpetrators to evade justice. The prevailing culture of impunity in crimes against the media has perpetuated an atmosphere of fear and danger for journalists across the country.

The workshop specifically focussed on the safety concerns of women journalists and presented recommendations on how they can stay secure while reporting from dangerous areas, such as tips on how to dress, who to travel with, and what safety equipment they can carry with them.

Women journalists, who have been increasingly breaking barriers in the field, face a unique and heightened threat of sexual harassment and violence while reporting.  

Participating in the workshop, women journalists shared the challenges they face as media professionals, Including name-calling and harassment, which has resulted in many women journalists exiting the reporting field and others contemplating about leaving.

The event also offered an opportunity for the fellows to present their published stories on media safety under the fellowship program, receiving valuable feedback from their peers and the trainer.

The deadline for submission of applications is May 28, 2023

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) invites applications for the PPF Media Safety Fellowships.  The fellowship program aims to promote freedom of expression by supporting media professionals to produce stories about media safety and impunity.

The fellowships will include the following:

• An honorarium of up to sixty thousand rupees.
• Participation in two capacity-building workshops.
• Editorial and technical support.

Selected participants will work under the supervision of a senior journalist who will act as fellowship editor during the fellowship term.  During the fellowship program, each fellow will be expected to produce six stories for publication or broadcast in national media organizations.

Preference will be given to fellows who will commit to investigating impunity for specific cases of journalists killed or injured.

Journalists with experience of at least three years and a commitment to promoting the safety of journalists are encouraged to apply.

The criteria for journalists from Balochistan, former FATA districts, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, and female journalists may be relaxed for otherwise qualified applicants.

Applicants must send the following:

• Fellowship application form
• Copy of the press card or employment letter
• Resume/CV
•  Links or copies of at least three stories published or broadcast in the last twelve months.

 Applications should be sent to:  ppfsafetyfellowships@pakistanpressfoundation.org

The deadline for submitting applications is May 28, 2023.  Applications received after the due date will not be entertained.

PPF Application Form (English): http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/FOE-Fellowship-Application-Form.docx

PPF Application Form (Urdu): http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/درخواست-فارم.docx

درخواستیں جمع کرانے کی آخری تاریخ 28 مئی 2023 ہے۔

پاکستان پریس فاؤنڈیشن کی جانب سے پی پی ایف میڈیا سیفٹی فیلوشپس کے لیے درخواتتیں موصول کی جارہی ہیں۔ فیلوشپ کا مقصد آزادی اظہار کو فروغ دینا ہے اور میڈیا کے پیشہ ور افراد کو مدد فراہم کرناہے تاکہ وہ میڈیا کی حفاظت اور جرائم سے استثنیٰ سے متعلق مسائل پر رپورٹس تیار کرسکیں ۔

فیلوشپ پروگرام میں شامل ہے:

ساٹھ ہزار روپے تک کا وظیفہ

 دو صلاحیت سازی کی تربیتی ورکشاپس

ادارتی اور تکنیکی معاونت

منتخب شرکاء کو سینئر صحافی کے ساتھ کام کرنے کا موقع ملے گا جو کہ فیلوشپ کے دوران فیلوشپ ایڈیٹر کے فرائض انجام دیں گے۔ فیلوشپ پروگرام کے دوران ہر ساتھی کو قومی میڈیا تنظیموں میں اشاعت یا نشریات کے لیے چھ آرٹیکلز تیار کرنے ہوں گے۔

کم از کم تین سال کا تجربہ رکھنے والے اور صحافیوں کی حفاظت کو فروغ دینے کے عزم کے حامل صحافیوں کو درخواست دینے کی ترغیب دی جاتی ہے۔

بلوچستان، فاٹا کے سابقہ ​​اضلاع، گلگت بلتستان اور آزاد کشمیر کے صحافیوں اور خواتین صحافیوں کے معیارات میں بصورت دیگر اہل درخواست دهندگان کے لیے نرمی کی جا سکتی ہے۔

:درخواست گزار کے لیے درج ذیل کاغذات بھیجنا ضروری ہیں

درخواست فارم

تعلیمی و پیشه ورانہ کوائف / سی وی

پریس کارڈ یا موجودہ ملازمت کا خط

پچھلے بارہ مہینوں میں شائع یا نشر ہونے والی کم از کم تین آرٹیکلز کے لنکس یا کاپیاں۔

پر بھیجیں۔ ppfsafetyfellowships@pakistanpressfoundation.org درخواستیں

درخواستیں جمع کرانے کی آخری تاریخ 28 مئی 2023 ہے۔ مقررہ تاریخ کے بعد موصول ہونے والی درخواستوں پر عمل نہیں کیا جائے گا۔

:درخواست فارم اردو میں

http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/درخواست-فارم.docx

:درخواست فارم انگریزی میں

http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/FOE-Fellowship-Application-Form.docx

]]> http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/pakistan-press-foundation-calls-for-applications-for-the-ppf-media-safety-fellowships/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pakistan-press-foundation-calls-for-applications-for-the-ppf-media-safety-fellowships Wed, 15 Feb 2023 05:17:28 +0000 https://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org/?p=107935 Continue reading "Pakistan Press Foundation calls for applications for the PPF Media Safety Fellowships"

پاکستان پریس فاؤنڈیشن کی جانب سے پی پی ایف میڈیا سیفٹی فیلوشپس کے لیے درخواتتیں موصول کی جارہی ہیں۔ فیلوشپ کا مقصد آزادی اظہار کو فروغ دینا ہے اور میڈیا کے پیشہ ور افراد کو مدد فراہم کرناہے تاکہ وہ میڈیا کی حفاظت اور جرائم سے استثنیٰ سے متعلق مسائل پر رپورٹس تیار کرسکیں ۔

فیلوشپ پروگرام میں شامل ہے 

ساٹھ ہزار روپے تک کا وظیفہ 

 دو صلاحیت سازی کی تربیتی ورکشاپس 

ادارتی اور تکنیکی معاونت 

منتخب شرکاء کو سینئر صحافی کے ساتھ کام کرنے کا موقع ملے گا جو کہ فیلوشپ کے دوران فیلوشپ ایڈیٹر کے فرائض انجام دیں گے۔ فیلوشپ پروگرام کے دوران ہر ساتھی کو قومی میڈیا تنظیموں میں اشاعت یا نشریات کے لیے چھ آرٹیکلز تیار کرنے ہوں گے۔ 

کم از کم تین سال کا تجربہ رکھنے والے اور صحافیوں کی حفاظت کو فروغ دینے کے عزم کے حامل صحافیوں کو درخواست دینے کی ترغیب دی جاتی ہے۔

بلوچستان، فاٹا کے سابقہ ​​اضلاع، گلگت بلتستان اور آزاد کشمیر کے صحافیوں اور خواتین صحافیوں کے معیارات میں بصورت دیگر اہل درخواست دهندگان کے لیے نرمی کی جا سکتی ہے۔

درخواست گزار کے لیے درج ذیل کاغذات بھیجنا ضروری ہیں:

 درخواست فارم

تعلیمی و پیشه ورانہ کوائف / سی وی

پچھلے بارہ مہینوں میں شائع یا نشر ہونے والی کم از کم تین آرٹیکلز کے لنکس یا کاپیاں۔

پر بھیجیں۔ ppfsafetyfellowships@pakistanpressfoundation.org درخواستیں 

درخواستیں جمع کرانے کی آخری تاریخ 26 فروری 2023 ہے۔ مقررہ تاریخ کے بعد موصول ہونے والی درخواستوں پر عمل نہیں کیا جائے گا۔

 :درخواست فارم اردو میں

http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/درخواست-فارم.docx

:درخواست فارم انگریزی میں

http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/FOE-Fellowship-Application-Form.docx

Translation

پاکستان پریس فاوٗنڈیشن (پی پی ایف)نے پاکستان میں میڈیا کی آزادی اور حفاظت   کے فیلو شپ پروگرام کے لیے درخواستیں وصول کرنے کا اعلان کردیا۔

اس فیلو شپ پروگرام کا مقصد آزادی اظہار رائے کو فروغ دینا اور میڈیا کارکنان کو مدد فراہم کرناہے تاکہ وہ میڈیا کی آزادی اور صحافیوں کے تحفظ سے متعلق مسائل پر رپورٹس تیار کرسکیں ۔

اس فیلوشپ پروگرام میں دو ورک شاپس منعقد کی جائیں گی اور اس کے ساتھ ادارتی اور تکنیکی تعاون بھی دیا جائے گا تاکہ میڈیا کارکنان کی حفاظت پر ،اخلاقی ، قانونی ور پیشہ ورانہ صحافت کے بہتر ین معیار  کے مطابق رپور ٹس تیار کی جائیں۔منتخب افراد میں سے ہر فرد کو فیلوشپ پروگرام کے دوران چھ رپورٹس تیار کرنا ہوں  گی۔ان افراد کو زیادہ ترجیح دی جائے گی جو صحافیوں کو قتل یا زخمی کیے جانے کے مخصوص واقعات پر تفتیشی رپورٹنگ کریں۔

منتخب افراد کو سینیئر صحافیوں کی معاونت میں رکھا جائے گا جو اس فیلو شپ پروگرام کی مدت تک ان افراد کے ایڈیٹر کے فرائض انجام دیں گے۔

صحافی جو پرنٹ،ٹیلی ویژن،ریڈیو یا آن لائن میڈیا میں کم سے کم تین سال کا تجربہ رکھتے ہیں وہ اس پروگرام کے لیے درخواست دے سکتےہیں۔خواتین صحافیوں کی درخواست جمع کروانے کی حوصلہ افزائی کی جائے گی۔

بلوچستان،ضم شدہ اضلاع (سابقہ فاٹا) ،گلگت بلتستان اور آزاد کشمیر سے تعلق رکھنے والے صحافیوں کے لیےاہلیت کی بنا پر شرائط میں نرمی رکھی جاسکتی ہے۔

اس فیلوشپ پروگرام کی مدت تین ماہ ہے اور اس پروگرام میں منتخب افراد کو ساٹھ ہزار روپے(60,000)ادا کیے جائیں گے۔

،درخواست گزار کے لیے درج ذیل کاغذات بھیجنا ضروری ہی

حالیہ تصویر کے ساتھ CV

 درخواست فارم

 پروپوزل فارم

تین لنکس /شائع کردہ یا نشر شدہ رپورٹس

پر بھیجیئے۔  fellowships@pakistanpressfoundation.org درخواست

درخواستیں جمع کروانے کی آخری تاریخ جمعہ 27فروری 2020ہے۔آخری تاریخ گزرنے کے بعد موصول ہونے والی درخواستوں پر عمل نہیں کیا جائے گا۔

پروپوزل فارم کے لیے کلک کریں

درخوست فارم کے لیے کلک کریں

English translation

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) has issued a call for applications for Fellowship program on
Media Safety and Impunity in Pakistan.

The fellowship program aims to promote freedom of expression by providing support to media professionals to produce stories related to issues on Media Safety and Impunity.

The fellowship programs will include two capacity building workshops as well as editorial and technical support to produce reports on safety of media practitioners that meet professional, ethical and legal best practices in journalism. Each selected fellow will have to produce up to six stories during this fellowship program. Preference will be given to fellows who will commit to investigating impunity for specific cases of journalists killed or injured.

Selected fellows will be paired with senior journalist who will act as fellowship editor during the period of fellowship program.

Journalists having minimum experience of three years working for print, television, radio and online media can apply for the fellowship program.

The criteria for journalists from Baluchistan, Districts that were formally in FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir may be relaxed for otherwise qualified applicants. Female journalists are encouraged to apply.

The duration of the fellowship is three months and the amount for the fellowship is sixty thousand rupees.

Applicants must send:

• Professional resume/CV with recent photograph
• Story proposal form (for story proposal form click here)
• Application form (for application form click here)
• Three links/samples of published or broadcast pieces.
• Applications should be sent to fellowships@pakistanpressfoundation.org

The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, February 27, 2020. Applications received after the due date will not be entertained.

Urdu translation

Last date for receiving applications:   Sunday January 5, 2020

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) invites applications for the 7th batch of PPF Investigative Reporting Fellowships.

The fellowships facilitate Pakistani journalists to produce investigative report that meet the professional, ethical and legal standards. PPF will provide support to journalists, to professionally investigate and report on issues relating to human rights, transparency, environment, inequity, governance and corruption.

The fellowships will include capacity building workshops as well as editorial and technical support.   Selected participants will work under the supervision of a senior journalist who will act as fellowship editor. Each fellow will be expected to produce up to six stories during this fellowship program.

Journalists with a minimum experience of three years working for print, television, radio and online media can apply for the fellowships.

The criteria for journalists from Baluchistan, FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir may be relaxed for otherwise qualified applicants. Female journalists are encouraged to apply.

The duration of the fellowship is three months and the amount for the fellowship is sixty thousand rupees.

Completed application forms, in either English or Urdu, containing the following must be received by Sunday January 5, 2020 to be considered for the award of the fellowships.

• Fellowship application form
• Professional resume/CV
• Stories proposal form
• Links or clippings of at least three articles that were published or aired in the last three years.

Applications should be sent to fellowships@pakistanpressfoundation.org

For forms, click the link below;

Application form:

http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/PPF-Investigative-Reporting-Fellowship-Application-Form-English.docx

Story proposal form;

http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/PPF-Investigative-Reporting-Fellowship-Story-Proposal-Form-English.docx

Translation

پاکستان پریس فاؤنڈیشن (پی پی ایف) کی جانب سے فیلوشپ برائے تحقیقاتی رپورٹنگ  کے ساتویں بیچ کے لئے درخواستیں موصول کی جارہی ہیں۔

فیلوشپس میں صلاحیت سازی کے لیے ورکشاپس  کے انعقاد کے علاوہ ادارتی اور تکنیکی معاونت بھی فراہم کی جائے گی۔ منتخب امیدواروں کو سینئر صحافی کے ساتھ کام کرنے کا موقع ملے گا جو فیلوشپ کے دوران   پراجیکٹ  ایڈیٹرکاکردارادا کریں گے۔ فیلوشپ پروگرام کے دوران  ہر جرنلسٹ کو چھ رپورٹس تیار کرنا ہوں گی۔

پرنٹ، ٹیلی ویژن، ریڈیو اور آن لائن میڈیا میں کم از کم تین سال کا تجربہ رکھنے والے صحافی فیلوشپس کے لیے درخواستں جمع کروا نے کے اہل ہیں۔

بلخصوص بلوچستان، فاٹا، گلگت بلتستان اور آزاد کشمیر کے صحافیوں کو اہلیت کے معیار میں رعائیت دی جا سکتی ہے۔ خواتین   صحافیوں کی درخواست دینے کے لئے حوصلہ افزائی کی جاتی ہے۔

فیلوشپ پروگرام کا دورانیہ تین ماہ اور فیلوشپ پروگرام کا وظیفہ ساٹھ ہزار روپے ہے۔

فیلو شپ کے حصول کے لئے  ،انگریزی  یا اردو میں مکمل  شدہ  ،مندرجہ زیل دستاویزات کا 5 جنوری، 2020 کو شام 5:00 تک موصول ہونا ضروری ہے۔

(فیلوشپ درخواست فارم ( فارم کے لیئے کلک کریں

تعلیمی وپیشہ ورانہ کوائف / سی وی

(اسٹوریز پروپوزل فارم ( فارم کے لیئے کلک کریں

کم از کم تین مضامین کے لنک یا تراشے جو پچھلے بارہ ماہ میں شائع یا نشر کیے گئے۔

درخواستیں دیئے گئے ای میل اڈریس پر بھیجیئے؛

درخواستیں دیئے گئے ای میل اڈریس پر بھیجیئے؛

fellowships@pakistanpressfoundation.org

]]> http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/pakistan-press-foundation-ppf-investigative-reporting-fellowships-for-pakistani-journalists/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pakistan-press-foundation-ppf-investigative-reporting-fellowships-for-pakistani-journalists Fri, 21 Jun 2019 11:31:08 +0000 https://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org/?p=95718 Continue reading "Pakistan Press Foundation PPF Investigative Reporting Fellowships For Pakistani Journalists"

Coalition on Right to Information (CRTI) and its partners Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) and Center of Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) raised the voice to urge the government to ensure implementation of Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2016 on February 6, 2019 at Karachi Press Club.

Coalition on right to information (CRTI) is a coalition of 55 organizations working for the protection of right to information in Pakistan.

RTI is meant to promote transparency, accountability and good governance in government departments and to ensure informed public participation in decision-making process

The conference aims that right to information is a fundamental right, guaranteed under article 19-A. There is a need of immediate steps for the implementation of Sindh RTI law. Certified and authentic information is right and need of every citizen of Pakistan. The current government shall live up to its claims and ensure public access to information for the promotion of citizen’s participation in government affairs.

In a joint statement issued to the press by CRTI partners, CPDI Program Coordinator Moonus Kayinat and PPF Secretary General Owais Ali demanded the designation of public information officers in all public bodies of Sindh and strengthening of Sindh information commission through financial and administrative empowerment. Sindh Information Commission was notified back in May 2018, but it is not financially and administratively empowered till date. With the week information commission and no awareness about people’s right to know, the whole process of public access to information in halted Sindh.

Mr. Owais Ali Secretary General of PPF added there should be an awareness program for journalist to use RTI in proper manner as in digital age implementation of RTI is a very important tool for journalists, From a state where getting even public information was hard to get, we now have an information overload, with huge volumes of information available a click away. RTI is a good way acquire authentic information for news stories.

This conference also stated that KP and Punjab governments implementing good governing RTI laws likewise Sindh government should also strengthen its RTI law and make it affective for maximum proactive disclosure.

They said the media should inform people about the conduct of elections, the political parties and candidates and their manifesto and policies, and their previous electoral participation so that they could vote for right candidates.

The three-day event on election reporting was organised by the Individualland

Pakistan. Both journalists of print and electronic media attended the workshop, where senior journalists spoke on the occasion about the role media and basic concepts of election reporting.

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Additional Director General (Gender Affairs) Nighat Siddique, Tabeer Programme Director Amir Khan Goraya and British High Commission’s Political Counsellor William Middleton were also among speakers, who said social media was the ultimate equaliser as it gave a voice and a platform to anyone willing to engage and also plays an important role in the election process.

The Individualland Pakistan a research based advocacy group, focusing on promoting and strengthening democratic procedures and enhancing the role of citizens in governance recently started working on an initiative ‘Engaging Journalists on elections reporting, civic education and political processes.

The training focused on enhancing the skills of media personnel on topics including election laws, role of political parties in articulating interests of their constituents and role of journalists as civic educators.

The participants lauded the efforts of Individualland Pakistan and demanded such events should also be held in the future. Farhan Khalid moderated the event on behalf of the Individualland Pakistan.

The News

A 3-day training session for journalists on civic education, election laws and administrative and role of political parties was organised under the auspices of Individual Land, a research-based consultancy and advocacy organisation, in collaboration with another not-for-profit organisation Tabeer – Consolidating Democracy in Pakistan.

The workshop concluded on Sunday. Journalists both from print and electronic media participated in the workshop.

On the first day of the training, the participants were given tips on reporting on politics and political parties as well monitoring performance of the political parties while on the 2nd day, they were given detailed lecture on media’s role in efficient functioning of the Election Commission of Pakistan and key points of the Election Act 2017 and role of media to sensitize citizens regarding election laws.

Similarly, on 3rd day, experts on governance delivered speeches on civic education, governance, their elements, role of local governments, concept of citizenship, local governance and accountability and identifying civic indicators.

Addressing the participants, Khurram Malik from Tabeer said that media should thoroughly delineate manifestos released by political parties so that citizens are well aware about the roadmap that a party is going to follow if elected to form the government.

Shabir Ahmad, an elections expert while sensitising journalists on the Elections Act 2017 said, “The new Act has a number of distinguishing features from the previous laws, however; it is media’s responsibility to discuss these features in their elections related reporting”.

Malik Masood from the Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) while conducting the session on civic education and good governance said, “Civic education and good governance are inter-related, therefore; the media needs to educate citizens to become civic minded for better governance.”

The organization has already organised similar trainings in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi and Quetta. Saghir Ahmed Naqash and Mushoud Ali facilitated the training on behalf of Individual Land Pakistan.

The Nation

Related stories

Business Recorder  The News

He was speaking at certificate distribution ceremony of a three-day training workshop organised jointly by Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in collaboration with Government of Japan and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at a local hotel.

The workshop was held on theme of Capacity Building of Media Professionals on Balanced, Inclusive and Objective Election Reporting.

Journalists from Karachi, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mithi and other cities and towns of Sindh province attended the training workshop.

The main focus of the workshop was to build capacity of reporters and subeditors to cover the upcoming general elections, while important issues like rights of transgender people, special persons and women; journalism ethics and digital journalism were also discussed, threadbare.

To a question, Yousuf Khattak said the priory of Sindh Election Commission is to hold the general election 2018 in a transparent manner. He said organising free and fair elections is not an easy task.

He urged the journalists to positively highlight election-related issues and improve coordination with the election commission so as to provide error-free details to general public during elections.

He said now due to new electoral lists no voter can cast vote in two different constituencies. He said as election is a national cause, the journalists should positively highlight the polls-related issues.

He informed that a one-day training of District Returning Officers of Sindh will be held on May 16, 2018 in Karachi.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) Secretary General Owais Aslam Ali said this three-day training workshop for reporters and subeditors was first of its kind in the country to enhance professional capacities of journalists.

He said such workshops will be also be organised in Quetta, Lahore, Peshawar and Multan to improve the skills of reporters and subeditors,ahead of upcoming general elections 2018.

He informed that aim of conducting this series of workshops all over Pakistan is to help in increasing the voting ratio of women in the general elections. He hoped these training workshops will bring a positive impact on journalists. Senior journalists and trainer Mubashir Bukhari, human rights activist and journalist Muneeza Inam, trainer Atta Musawir and subject specialists Rao Akram and Arsalan Ashraf conducted different sessions of workshop.

These views were expressed by the PPF officials on a three days workshop of safety training for journalists on Thursday.

They said the PPF organising safety training workshops for journalists since decades so that journalists could do professional, balanced, planned and ethical reporting reduces risks for journalists and media workers to a larger extent.

The journalists should internalize that no story is worth dying for and safety and security should be the first priority while using digital space for journalistic work, panel added.

They said the PPF has been conducting the training through well-designed modules and Internet connectivity and gave an awareness to ensure safety , journalists were suggested to know where they are going and what to expect.

The freelance journalists of Shikarpur, Sanghar, Karachi, Badin, Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Ghotki, Jacobabad and Khairpur to extend the capacity of journalists of above mentioned district’s and reduce risk being faced by the journalist, especially in rural areas of Sindh. The safety training program attended by Karachi Information Department Director General Mansoor Ahmed Shaikh, Information Department Officer Raisa Adil, Owais Aslam Ali, Syed Tahir Ali Shah, Naseem Shaih and others were present on the workshop.

The Nation

Islam added that the KP Home Department has formed a committee for the safety of journalists, that includes representatives of unions of journalists and police officials, but it does not meet on regular basis.

He was speaking at the three-day workshop and roundtable discussion organized by Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) with support of Open Society Foundation (OSF), for freelance journalists of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who in routinely faces serious safety challenges and threats. The purpose of the workshop was to provide security awareness and training to journalists working in conflict zones of FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir.

During the discussion Khanzada Khan, Vice President of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) said freelance journalists should bring their issues to journalists unions as they are there to solve problems of media workers. He said relatively few journalists work as freelancers in Pakistan as compared to other countries and added that Peshawar Press Club accommodates them in its constitution.

Asad Khan, General Secretary, Peshawar Press Club said, journalists should not put themselves in danger for the sake of higher ratings. Nasir Hussain, former president Peshawar Press Club said journalists could reduce risks by being professional and impartial.

Saba Rehman, freelance photo journalist from Sawabi asked why press cards are not issued to freelance journalists. Responding to the question Saif ul Islam said reluctance in issuing press cards could be because of concerns over their misuse. Asif Nisar, Vice President Peshawar Press Club stressed that Peshawar does support freelance journalists, but unions are not able to act because of misuse of press cards. Jameel Mehmund, joint secretary Peshawar Press Club said, we have freelance journalists as members and we facilitate them.

Syed Tahir Mehmood who led training workshop said Pakistan is among the most dangerous countries for journalists and these dangers increase manifold for media practitioners working in the conflict zones.

The training included awareness about weapons: improvised explosive devices, landmines, and other weapons. Participants were informed about their range and effects and safety measures to deal with these threats. The workshop provided participants with practical training in First Aid including primary survey, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and stopping external bleeding. They also were given insights on PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) a psychological trauma.

It is observed that journalists usually rush to cover the news, keeping this in view they were given awareness on security in commuting; in public and private vehicles; and were told about the four steps planning cycle, which could be adopted to reduce threats; it included; identifying assets, threats, risks, and measures to be taken reduce the risks.
The hands-on activity included ‘tree of safer journalism’ to identify elements for safety in the field. It was stressed that journalists should keep in touch with international and local organization, working for their safety and security.

The round table was also moderated by journalists Qazi Asif joined by Asif Baloch publisher of daily Azadi and Baluchistan Express; Syed Kamran Mumtaz, publisher daily Mashriq; Zafarullah Achakzai, publisher and editor daily Qudrat; Anwarullah Khan, news editor daily Qudrat; and Shahzada Zulfiqar, bureau chief of Bol TV and former president of Quetta Press Club.

Kamran Mumtaz said that ‘Media owners here in Pakistan are not willing to pay minimum wages as per labour laws’.

Zafarullah Achakzai said that‘freelance journalists are not accepted by the profession and added that should at least be given associate level membership by the press clubs’.

He said Punjab and KPK have started digital wings and Baluchistan’s information department is also working on digital wing. He said that unfortunately this is the biggest truth that our media organizations welcome journalists not on the basis of quality news but on the basis of quantity of business through ads. He assured his support for the freelance journalists based in Baluchistan.

Asif Baloch said it is difficult to hold freelance journalists responsible and accountable and thereforewe can’t trust them as they are not answerable to anyone. He said,‘there many experienced journalists who now do quality stories and reputed organizations pay them high salaries.  He said unfortunately small organizations are not able to pay good salaries.

At this discussion freelance journalists brought their issues in front of publishers and editors.The issues included: working without payment by media organisations; threats they face on daily basis; problems due to non-issuance of professional cards and difficulties in getting membershipof press clubs andunions.

Qazi Asif said,‘it is an effort on the part of Pakistan Press Foundation to connect freelance journalists with the media owners and editors, also PPF is planning to launch a website; where freelancers can get connected and find resources relevant to their work’.

Participants appreciated the workshop; Tayyab Yallanzai,journalist from Nushki said, ‘mobile journalism workshops should also be organized at district level’ and Din Muhammad, journalist from Quetta had said, ‘there’s a strong need of mobile journalism course in the curriculum of universities as students have more use of social media’.Chaudry Imtiaz, journalist from Quettasaid that, ‘If PPF succeeds in facilitating the group of freelance journalists, it will be one of the best platforms to raise collective voices’.

Journalist Qazi Asif introduced new methods of android mobiles to cover an event, photo editing, mobile recordings and story board. He further elaborated the meaning of freelance journalists , introduction of TV screen, SOT, and other technical terms. PPF spokesperson Nasim Shaikh said that the PPF to create a platform for freelance journalists named Pakistan Network Freelance Journalists . PPF Secretary General Owais Aslam Ali shared the troubles being faced by freelance journalists in across the Sindh.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed Malik, Khursheed Ahmed Abbasi, Faheem Siddiqui and Javeed Memon hailed the efforts of PPF to promote mobile journalism and assured the participants that they would try to resolve the issues being faced by freelance journalists . GoS Secretary Information Imran Atta Soomro was honourable guest while Soomro also assured the participations that he would play his role to resolve the issues being faced by freelance journalists .

The Nation

پاکستان پریس فاؤنڈیشن (پی پی ایف) کی جانب سے فیلوشپ برائے تحقیقاتی رپورٹنگ کےلئے درخواستیں موصول کی جارہی ہیں۔
فیلوشپس کے لئے درخواستوں کی موصولی “پاکستان میں تحقیقاتی صحافت میں معاونت” کے پراجیکٹ کا حصہ ہیں جس کا مقصد تحقیقاتی صحافت کو فروغ دینا اور میڈیا سے وابستہ افراد کو عوامی دلچسپی کے امور بشمول حکومتی نظم و نسق، شفافیت، صنف، بدعنوانی اور انسانی حقوق کے بارے میں گہرائی سے کی جانے والی رپورٹس کے بارے میں مدد فراہم کرنا ہے۔
فیلوشپس میں صلاحیت سازی کے لیے ورکشاپس کے علاوہ ادارتی اور تکنیکی معاونت بھی فراہم کی جائے گی تا کہ ایسی تحقیقاتی رپورٹس تیار کرنے میں مدد کی جاسکے جو صحافت کے پیشہ ورانہ اصولوں اور قانونی معیارات کے مطابق ہوں۔ فیلوشپ کا دورانیہ تین ماہ اورمعاوضہ ساٹھ ہزارروپے ہے۔ معاوضے کی ادائیگی کا انحصار اہداف کی تکمیل پر ہے۔
منتخب امیدواروں کو سینئر صحافیوں کے ساتھ کام کرنے کا موقع ملے گا جو فیلوشپ کے دوران ادارتی رہنما کا کردارادا کریں گے۔
پرنٹ، ٹیلی ویژن، ریڈیو اور آن لائن میڈیا میں کم از کم تین سال کا تجربہ رکھنے والے صحافی فیلوشپس کے لیے درخواستں جمع کروانے کے اہل ہیں۔ بلخصوص بلوچستان، فاٹا، گلگت بلتستان اور آزاد کشمیر کے صحافیوں کواہلیت کے معیار میں رعائیت دی جا سکتی ہے۔
درکار دستاویزات:
۔ پروفیشنل ریزیومے/سی وی حالیہ تصویر کے ساتھ
(۔ مکمل اسٹوری پروپوزل فارم (ڈاؤنلوڈ کرنے کے لیے کلک کیجیے
۔ شائع یا نشر کی گئی خبروں کے تین لنکس/نمونے

  پر بھیجیں ppf@pakistanpressfoundation.org درخواستیں
درخواست بھیجنے کی آخری تاریخ 20 اگست 2017ء، شام 5 بجے ہے۔ اس کے بعد بھیجی گئی درخواستوں کو شامل نہیں کیا جائے گا۔
صرف شارٹ لسٹ ہونے والے امیدواروں سےرابطہ کیا جائے گا۔

تحقیقاتی رپورٹنگ فیلوشپ کے پہلے مرحلے کے ورکشاپ کی وڈیو نیچے دیئے گئے لنک پر دیکھی جا سکتی ہے ۔

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), in collaboration with Netherlands-based Free Press Unlimited, seeks applications for fellowships on investigative journalism.
The call for applications is part of the “Supporting Investigative Journalism in Pakistan” project, which aims to promote investigative journalism by providing support to media professionals focusing on in-depth stories related to issues of public interest including those on governance, transparency, gender, corruption and human rights.

The fellowships will include capacity building workshops as well as editorial and technical support to produce investigative reports that meet professional, ethical and legal best practices in journalism.The amount for the fellowship is sixty thousand rupees. The duration of the fellowship is three months and payment is based on completion of milestones.

Selected participants will be paired with senior journalists who will act as coordinating editors during the term of the fellowship.

Journalists with a minimum experience of three years working for print, television, radio and online media can apply for the fellowships.The criteria for journalists from Baluchistan, FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir may be relaxed for otherwise qualified applicants. Female journalists are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must send:

1. Professional resume/CV with recent photograph
2. Complete story proposal form (Click to download)
3. Three links/samples of published or broadcast pieces.

Applications should be sent to ppf@pakistanpressfoundation.org

The deadline for submitting applications is 5:00 pm, August 20, 2017.Applications received after the due date will not be entertained.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Video of the first batch of the investigative reporting fellowship and workshop can be viewed at:

Karachi: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) rolled out its first batch of investigative reporting fellows as part of a three-year project on promoting investigative journalism in Pakistan.

PPF will commission a total of 90 investigative stories as part of its project with Netherlands-based Free Press Unlimited, with 30 Fellowships awarded each year.

The first batch of eleven fellows was selected from over a hundred applications from across Pakistan. The story ideas were reviewed and finalized by an Editorial Advisory Board comprising of senior editors.

The investigative story ideas cover diverse themes including militancy, environment and ecology, education, water, fake pharmaceuticals and convict rehabilitation. Print and broadcast journalists from major media houses and different regions were among those awarded fellowships.

As part of the project, the fellows attended a three-day workshop on Investigative Reporting at the PPF Journalism Training Center in Karachi.

Trainer and journalist Mubasher Bukhari, who conducted the workshop, emphasized the importance of credible sources to add weight to a story. “Anonymous sources should be avoided because they make a story weak.” He emphasized on the use of right to information (RTI) laws for investigative reporting. The participants reviewed RTI laws and shared salient features with each other and discussed the need for new legislation at the federal level and in Balochistan.

Fellows also held a brainstorming session on the third day with senior editors and journalists who will serve as coordinating editors. Each fellow is paired with a Coordinating Editor. Both will be responsible for producing a successful story that could create impact.

Date: July 20-22, 2017

Venue: PPF Journalism Training Center/ Hotel Mehran

The fellowships are part of the “Supporting Investigative Journalism in Pakistan” project which aims to promote investigative reporting by providing support to media professionals capable for depth stories related to issues of public interest including those focusing on governance, transparency, gender, corruption and human rights.

The fellowships will include capacity building workshops as well editorial and technical support to produce investigative news reports that meet professional, ethical and legal best practices in journalism.  The amount of fellowship is rupees fifty thousand plus reasonable expenses.  The duration of the fellowship will be up to three months and payment will be based on completion of milestones.

Selected participants will be paired with senior journalists who will act as mentors and coaches during the term of fellowship.

Journalists with a minimum experience of three years working for print, television, radio and online media can apply for the fellowships.  Women are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must send

1. Detailed story idea the applicant would like to pursue
2. Resume/curriculum
3. Three samples of published or broadcast investigative reports

Applications should be sent to ppf@pakistanpressfoundation.org

The deadline for submitting the applications is 6:00 pm on March 24, 2017. Applications received after due date will not be entertained.

For Urdu translation link given below:

Translation

کراچی، 13 مارچ: پاکستان پریس فاؤنڈیشن (پی پی ایف) نے تحقیقاتی رپورٹنگ فیلوشپ کے لیے پاکستانی صحافیوں سے درخواستیں طلب کرلیں۔

فیلوشپس “پاکستان میں تحقیقاتی صحافت میں معاونت” کے منصوبے کا حصہ ہے جس کا مقصد ذرائع ابلاغ سے وابستہ افراد کو عوامی مفادات بشمول حکومت، شفافیت، صنف، بدعنوانی اور انسانی حقوق سے متعلق معاملات میں بغور چھان بین کے لیے مدد فراہم کرتے ہوئے تحقیقاتی صحافت کو فروغ دینا ہے۔

فیلوشپس میں صلاحیت سازی کے لیے ورکشاپس کے علاوہ ادارتی اور تکنیکی معاونت بھی شامل ہوگی جس سے صحافت کے پیشہ ورانہ، اخلاقی اور قانونی طریقوں کے مطابق تحقیقاتی خبر کی تیاری میں مدد کی جاسکے۔ فیلو شپ کی رقم پچاس ہزار روپے بمع مناسب اخراجات ہیں۔ فیلوشپ کا دورانیہ زیادہ سے زیادہ تین ماہ ہوگا اور اہداف کے حصول پر ہی ادائیگی کی جائے گی۔

منتخب شرکاء کو سینئر صحافیوں کے ساتھ کام کرنے کا موقع دیا جائے گا جو فیلوشپ کے دوران بطور رہنما اور استاد کام کریں گے۔

پرنٹ، ٹیلی ویژن، ریڈیو اور آن لائن میڈیا میں کم از کم تین سال کا تجربہ رکھنے والے صحافی فیلوشپس کے لیے درخواست دے سکتے ہیں۔ اس ضمن میں خواتین کی حوصلہ افزائی کی جائے گی۔

امیدوار درخواست کے ساتھ درج ذیل چیزیں ضرور ارسال کریں:

1۔ تفصیلی خیال جس پر امیدوار کام کرنے کا خواہاں ہے

2۔ سی وی / ریزیومے

3۔ چھپنے یا نشر ہونے والی تین تحقیقاتی رپورٹس کے نمونے

درخواستیں ppf@pakistanpressfoundation.org پر ای-میل کریں۔

درخواست بھیجنے کی آخری تاریخ 24 مارچ 2017 کو شام 6 بجے تک ہے۔ اس کے بعد موصول ہونے والی درخواستوں پر غور نہیں کیا جائے گا۔

This was the consensus at the ‘National Consultative Dialogue on the Safety of Journalists,’ organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) with the support of Open Society Institute (OSI) at a local hotel in Karachi on Thursday.

Leading journalists who also serve their local press club from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Abbottabad, Khuzdar, Federally Administered Tribal Areas and other cities participated in the dialogue.

PPF Secretary General Owais Aslam Ali moderated the interactive discussion, ensuring participation of all representatives in identifying challenges faced by journalists. He also shared PPF’s vision and mandate of capacity building, and safety and security of media professionals.

Participants also narrated stories of attacks on their respective press clubs, and the threats faced by their members.

It was agreed that the ‘breaking news’ phenomenon found in electronic media, combined with non-professional attitude of newsroom editors as well as journalists puts journalists at the greatest risk.

Lack of awareness of safety measures and guidelines among journalists was also cited as a problem. Hammad Rind of the Balochistan Union of Journalists added that reporters and editors often cross the line between journalism and activism. Partisanship, he said, or supporting one point of view also puts media personnel at risk

Participants also emphasized the need for proper follow up on cases of attack on media, and to put an end to the impunity enjoyed by those who target media professionals. The discussion also decided how better to identify those journalists killed and/or injured while performing their professional duties and those killed for other reasons.

Karachi Press Club Secretary Alauddin H Khanzada bemoaned the role of media owners in particular in following up on cases of attack on journalists. It was also added that families of victims should be provided financial compensation and legal assistance.  But, Khanzada emphasized, victims’ families need to take the lead, citing the example of slain journalist Wali Khan Babar, whose brother ensured that those responsible were brought to justice.

The second half of the workshop focused on solutions and the role various stakeholders including media houses, unions, government, law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations can play in improving safety conditions of journalists.

Training sessions and workshops on hostile environment, trauma, security measures, participants said, are needed for those working in the field to better protect themselves, particularly for those working in conflict zones. Better equipment and safety gear will also help those in the field better protect themselves.

Insurance, promise of compensation, and consistent follow up on attacks of not only journalists and their unions, but also media owners and governments will also improve the overall situation. Proper salaries, including those of district reporters, and implementation of the Wage Board Award were also cited as solutions.

Better coordination and communication with law-enforcement agencies and government would also help improve safety standards, according to press clubs’ representatives.

Related Stories

The Nation: Race for breaking news putting journalists at risk

Business Recorder: Journalists highlight ‘Breaking News’ challenges

Dateline: Karachi, December 9

Photojournalists from across Pakistan emphasized the need for media houses to provide safety equipment and better gear to enable them to better cover major incidents like explosions, attacks and protests without exposing themselves to mortal danger.

This was the consensus at the ‘National Consultative Dialogue on the Safety and Security of Photojournalists,’ organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) with the support of Open Society Institute (OSI) at a local hotel in Karachi.

The participants of the dialogue identified various problems faced by photojournalists in the field, particularly when covering sensitive or dangerous assignments. They ranged from inadequate gear, lack of safety equipment like helmets and bullet-proof vests, lack of awareness of safety procedures, unrealistic demands from reporters and editors, long shifts and low pay, among others.To address the issue, they suggested more trainings and workshops for greater awareness on safety and security, dealing with hostile environments, administering basic first aid, dealing with trauma, etc.

Another major problem faced by media personnel is of threat and intimidation, not only from protestors but also from law enforcement agencies. Journalists shared stories of being roughed up by law enforcement agencies due to lack of communication, information or protocols. It was suggested that the government and media owners should coordinate with law enforcement agencies to create better coordination between them and photojournalists to reduce the risk of injury and also improve communication between them through trainings, meetings and consultations.

Lack of photo editors is another issue faced by photojournalists. According to the participants, those with prior history of photography have a better grasp of the on-ground situation, as opposed to news editors; and, therefore, photo editors can be pivotal in reducing the risk faced by the fraternity.

Absence of uniformity in standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols is another issue identified by photojournalists. The group discussed the need for enhanced SOPs to allow them to perform at the optimal level while on assignment.

The dialogue also focused on the issue of insurance of photojournalists and their equipment, along with adequate compensation in case of injury or death. Job insecurity, financial considerations, low salary that is often delayed, and lack of support network also featured heavily in the discussion. The need to implement the Wage Board Award was also emphasized.

The meeting, which was attended by photojournalists from across Pakistan, including those from international media and major media houses, suggested that the onus for improving conditions was as much on media owners, associations, LEAs, as on photojournalists.

The attendees also called on media houses as well as associations of photojournalists and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to take up the issue of journalists injured or killed while working, and to follow-up on their cases to ensure they get the necessary compensation and support.

116 journalists and media professionals benefited from the last round of trainings held in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh provinces.

The three-day trainings aimed at improving the knowledge of journalists working in conflict and post-conflict areas regarding their personal security at work, at home and during commuting. This project came as response to the daily threats faced by journalists in Pakistan.

The districts chosen for the trainings were either facing conflicts or braving post-conflict situations. Hence, local journalists benefited highly from the training programme. “Journalist in QambarShahdadKot area are facing threats from different groups; during this training we learned how to minimize the risks and deal with the daily threats”observed Mr. Abdul Fatah Channo, a journalist at Nawa-i-Waqt.

PPF as implementing partner of the IPDC project, conductedthese trainings at Sanghar, Shikarpur, Batakhela, Swat, Hangu, Jhang, Rahim Yar Khan, Shahdadkot,Qambar and Jaffarabad district headquarters.

The training sessions also included post-traumatic and stress management courses, as well as, first aid training based on international good practices.

Journalists were trained on conducting risk assessments before carrying out any news coverage and taking appropriate safety and security measures. “Rahim Yar KhanProvince is at the border of Sindh with high risk, through this training I have learned the core reasons why our lives are at risk and how to overcome in an emergency situation”, said Mr. Bilal Habib, a journalist at The Nation.

UNESCO Pakistan started this program for the safety of journalists under its International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC).Created in 1980, IPDC is the only intergovernmental programme in the United Nations system mandated to mobilize international support in order to contribute to sustainable development, democracy and good governance by strengthening the capacities of developing countries and countries in transition in the field of electronic and print media.

Pakistan is considered one of the most dangerous countries for media professionals in the world, where proper training for the safety of journalists and media professionals is direly needed.

LONDON: Britain’s media regulator, Ofcom, has established that Pakistan’s Minister for Kashmir Affairs Chaudhry Barjees Tahir was unfairly and unjustly treated by the ARY News through malicious and false allegations in one of its shows called Kab Tak.

The media regulator made the ruling while acting upon a complaint made by Sakib Barjees, son of Barjees Tahir, in reference to the show aired on January 26, 2016 in Pakistan as well as in the UK.

The programme featured a discussion about alleged corruption amongst government-appointed land agents who keep registers of land (or Patwaris) in the Nankana district of Lahore in Pakistan and their links to government ministers from the PML-N.

During the discussion, the programme’s reporter, Asad Kharal, made a number of comments about Mr Barjees and accused him of being involved in fraud.During this discussion, the reporter said that a man called Ashraf Bhatti, whom he described as “like a jeweller of [the] Revenue Department”, had “been appointed by Barjees Tahir.” The reporter also said, “He [Mr Bhatti] is known as a mama who goes to police stations and Patwaris and collects monthly amounts from them. We were told by people that money up to Rs500,000 is collected by him”.

Barjees Tahir’s son Sakib Barjees, who studied and lived in London for nearly a decade, complained to the Ofcom that his father, Chaudhry Barjees, was treated unjustly or unfairly in the programme as broadcast because the programme alleged falsely that Mr Barjees was “taking illegal money from land registry officers” and that he was not given an appropriate and timely opportunity to respond to this allegation.

After an investigation spread over seven months, the Ofcom found that the ARY did not take reasonable care to satisfy itself that material facts were not presented or omitted in a way that resulted in unfairness to Chaudhry Barjees.

The reporter alleged that the government ministers from the PML-N were in league with corrupt land agents and condoned their corruption. He said that the land agents received large financial rewards as a result of their corruption. He named various people from the Nankana district whom he indicated were either corrupt land agents, middlemen who forced the land agents to give them a cut of their illicit gains, or ministers on whose behalf these middlemen were working.

The ARY News responded that the programme makers had evidence for the claims made in the programme; notably “a government letter regarding the appointment of Patwaris… [and] recovered agricultural income tax documents relating to the Nankana district which is part of Mr Barjees’ constituency”. The broadcaster said that these documents showed the amounts which had been paid to the Patwaris and that this was “evidence of the corruption” by the land agents.

The Ofcom ruled that the “evidence” presented on the show lacked credibility and could not be taken as credible evidence linking the minister with corruption.

It said that the reporter clearly tried to establish that Mr Tahir used another person to make money but there was no evidence that the minister actually did so. It said that the freedom of expression “comes with responsibility and an obligation on broadcasters to comply with the code and to avoid unjust or unfair treatment of individuals and organisations in programmes”.

“Taking all of the above into account, Ofcom considered therefore that, in the particular circumstances of this case, the broadcaster did not take reasonable care to satisfy itself that material facts had not been presented, disregarded or omitted in the programme in a way that was unfair to Chaudhry Barjees; and, it had failed to provide him with an appropriate and timely opportunity to respond to the significant allegations made about him. For these reasons, Ofcom found that Chaudhry Barjees was treated unfairly in the programme as broadcast.”

Sakib Barjees commented: “I am glad that my father has been vindicated in resounding terms. My father is a man of honour and has never been involved in corruption. The programme was aimed to damage my father for political gains but Britain’s media regulator has clearly established that Barjees Tahir was unfairly treated and no material evidence about his alleged corruption was produced during the legal inquiry launched by the Ofcom. We reserve the right to pursue this matter further in various courts to seek remedy and justice.”

The News

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Business Recorder: Speakers for improving ethical standards of Journalism

Speaking at a three-day training workshop here arranged by Pakistan Press Foundation on Journalism Skills in collaboration with International Media Support and the Embassy of Denmark in Islamabad, they said though the security threats for journalists have reduced in Karachi after improvement in the law and order situation, the pressure of commercialization on media has further increased. They said that due to the growing commercialization of media the news items related to the vested interests of different entities are getting preference over the news about public interest issues.

A large number of journalists of print and electronic media including women participated in the training workshop in a local hotel.

Hamina Mahwah said the genuine needs of the readers and viewers are now being overlooked due to more commercialism in media.

Ghufran said though the law and order situation in the city has increased and threats for reporters reduced, but the inner pressure of media houses regarding news related to vested interests has further increased.

Ghulam Rasool Kunbhar said that as Karachi is a widespread city, reporters have been facing problems in coverage of news. He said in the Sindh media the guanine needs of reporters are being ignored and a reporter has to work for up to 12 hours a day.

Marjan said the main issue of women journalists in Karachi is lack of proper transport facilities. She said some media houses provide transport facilities to female newscasters; however, this facility is not given to women reporters. They have to face a lot of problems in discharging their professional duties.

Maria Ismail said though now the pressure of armed groups has reduced considerably in Karachi, but still many journalists are feeling them insecure. They are not still free to decide the priorities of news, themselves. In this regard, she quoted the example of recent attacks on the ARY News and other TV channels.

However, the speakers stressed the need that media houses should play their role for honing up professional skills of journalists. They regretted that many media workers are still deprived of their right of getting professional training.

Qazi Asif was the trainer and Naseem Sheikh coordinator of the workshop.

Individualland Pakistan had organised a three-day training for trainers which concluded on August 29. The organisation has recently started work on an initiative titled, Support to Media in Pakistan, with the International Media Support (IMS), administered and funded by the Danish Embassy in Pakistan.

“Ethical journalism is a product of knowledge of journalistic skills, freedom, independence and responsibility,” said one of the participants at the training.

Another participant said the training had helped them understand the importance of learning journalistic skills to practice ethical journalism. “I will make sure that I transfer this knowledge to my peers in upcoming boot camps.”

Individualland also conducted another three-day training of trainers on four thematic areas of the initiative:development journalism, conflict sensitive journalism, gender sensitive journalism and democracy and governance.

A participant attending the training said the thematic areas were important in modern-day journalism, especially for a country like Pakistan.

Another participant said the thematic areas were new for most journalists.“I am excited that I will be able to adopt one of these thematic areas as my beat in the future.”

Dr Ranga Kalansuriya, a renowned media specialist, conducted the training as a lead trainer. He was supported by Anum.

The participants were selected from trainings conducted earlier by the Pakistan Press Foundation as part of the Support to Media in Pakistan initiative led by the IMS.

The Express Tribune

A three-day workshop, organized by PPF, concluded at local press club on Friday. It was attended by a number of journalists hailing from print and electronic media from across the district. The workshop reviewed practices in journalism and the code of ethics followed by working journalists.

Focal person Qazi Asif urged the participants to portray real and grassroots issues rather than merely vying for competition or edge over others, saying that such policies are opposed to ethical pratices. He stressed upon media persons to avoid ‘inciting emotions’, and expose real face of the people in their news stories.

He asked journalists not to become judgmental and create confusions in people’s minds through any of their report. In the last session, the participants gave their inputs and recommendations to fulfill the objective of ethical and professional journalism.

Daily Times

One training on Democracy and Governance Reporting, Conflict Reporting and Gender and Development Reporting will take place from March 24 to 26 at Arabian Sea Country Club, while other training on journalism skills of Reporting, Editing and News Production and Management will be organised from March 27 to 29 at the same venue. These trainings by the PPF are the part of a major project “Support to Media in Pakistan” that is being supported by the DANIDA, the development arm of the Danish Government, and implemented through Pakistani media development groups with technical assistance of the IMS. The project is aimed at improving media professionalism through better journalism practices and promoting a professional environment for journalists. In each training session, 15 journalists will be trained. Later, these 30 trained journalists will train more journalists in their relevant districts.

Business Recorder

Each edition of the THTC is open to 20 participants. For the June 2016 edition, Mensen met een Missie has agreed to collaborate with Justice and Peace on the THTC initiative to the extent that they will cover the costs of 10 participants. These will be chosen from their partner networks, and includes the costs of the course, flights, accommodation and meals for the week. The other 10 participants may receive a financial support for the training (course/travel/accommodation/meals) if their organization can’t cover it. Once the deadline for applications has passed, a selection committee (comprising of both Mensen met een Missie and Justice and Peace representatives, as well as other partners) will choose the participants.

For more information click here

The textile sector alone needs at least 140,000 new trained workers every year to enhance production or replace former workers. The capacity of all textile-related training institutes in the country is only 12,000 trainees per year. It is no wonder that our exports continue to reflect stagnant or negative growth, with shoddy manufacturing, poor processing, high wastages and the lowest per capita productivity in the region.

Education, vocational skills and technical training are at the core of sustainable, inclusive and value-added economic growth. Both the latent and active workforce needs to be developed for future investment as well as self-employment options supported by management training programmes and business incubators. Already, the continuous neglect of human resources is manifesting itself in radicalisation and criminalisation of the youth in the country.

There is no dearth of policies, strategies, skill development boards, steering committees, workers’ councils and public-sector vocational and skill development institutions: there are skills development councils, technical and vocational training authorities, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and others, but the trainings and certifications are not standardised and much of the equipment used is obsolete.

Their total output remains low because of severe structural problems, poor governance, rampant corruption especially in Sindh, and lack of clarity after the 18th Amendment. The women development centres in the provinces are especially pathetic, as these are decrepit and almost non-functional.

Finally, there are no vertically integrated and structured linkages with the industry since the private sector is not involved in leading and directing skill development initiatives in the country as is being done in Europe, India and Egypt. This typical apathy was the reason behind the Apprenticeship Ordinance 1962 that made it mandatory for industrial establishments employing more than 50 people to hire a minimum of five workers as apprentices. Needless to say, that policy failed.

These multifaceted problems need to be faced squarely. The government needs to view training as an investment rather than a burden. There should be an unequivocal and clearly articulated national agenda for skill development. While amendments in the apprenticeship law are already on the anvil, the national skills development legislation recommended by the National Task Force should be introduced. Relying simply on SDCs, committees etc will not work: the entire educational infrastructure needs to be galvanised.

In the first instance, the government should make it mandatory for all secondary schools, public and private, to include vocational training options so that choices can be offered and respect for vocational training embedded in the minds of the young, as is being done in the UK since 2004. On the tertiary level, polytechnic colleges should be strengthened and expanded to focus on technological and applied education such as engineering, electronics, computer sciences, accounting, designing, town planning, etc, and affiliated with universities.

In their turn, universities and general education colleges which have so far remained aloof from vocational and technical training must be taken on board to provide the physical and institutional infrastructure for a robust vocational education system, and to develop and offer, for insta­nce, sandwich deg­rees with three years undergraduate program­mes supported by one year in­­­­­t­­­­ern­­ships.

The NAVTTC has set up a framework for national vocational qualifications standards for curricula designing and authentication of training. However, it needs to be translated into concrete curricula and standardisation procedures with the help of HEC, the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority and the private sector in line with international requirements.

More important is the need to establish separate sector-specific skill development councils on the lines of Indian councils which can impart specialised state-of-the-art training in different sectors to make them globally competitive. These can include existing and untapped sectors such as plastic toys, medical textiles, hospital equipment, and electronics to propel investment in the manufacturing industry. Similarly, SDCs for training youth in symbiotic facilities in healthcare, airlines and other services need to be set up to deepen the potential of the services sector. Lastly, high quality vocational and technical education must be provided to women and persons with disabilities to mainstream them in the national economy.

Dawn

The film is about a 19-year-old Pakistani girl who survives an attempted honour killing for marrying a man without her family’s approval. In 2012 Chinoy won first Oscar for `Saving Face’, a documentary on women who suffer acid attacks.

Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif who had earlier met Chinoy and pledged to bring legislation to end honour killing said his government was in the process of pushing a law to stop the killings “Women like Ms Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy are not only a pride for the Pakistani nation but are also a significant source of contribution towards the march of civilisation in the world,” he said in a statement.

More than 500 men and women died in honour killings in 2015, according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).Most were never prosecuted.

Participants of the journalism training programme organised by PPF from April 15-23, 1998 visited Ghanwa Buhtto, head of Pakistan Peoples Party (Shaheed Bhutto) political party. Photo shows Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy standing in front row next to Arnold Zeitlin, course trainer and visiting Knight Fellow.

Her passion of journalism and social issues was evident from the very start when she distinguished herself at the six-week journalism training programme organised by PPF in 1998. The course was taught by senior American journalist Arnold Zeitlin, who conducted a series of trainings in Pakistan as a Knight Fellow attached to PPF. Recalling her student Zeitlin said “ I’d like to say I taught her all she knows, but the reality is that I have learned a great deal from her. She is a remarkable talent.”

Pakistan Press Foundation

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the $1.2 million project, United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Assistant High Commissioner George Okoth-Obbo stressed the need to empower youth through education and skills development. It is an essential element of stability and sustainable development, according to Okoth-Obbo.

The UN refugee agency official is visiting Quetta and Loralai as part of his three-day mission to Pakistan.

The women centre has been built with the joint efforts of the Balochistan government, UNHCR and the international community under the Refugee Affected and Hosting Areas (RAHA) initiative. The aim of this milestone project, worth $1.2 million, is to enhance vocational skills and increase livelihood opportunities for women living in Loralai district and generally in Zhob division.

Express Tribune

This was stated by National Vocational Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) Sindh director-general Nabeela Umer at the Sukkur Institute of Business Administration on Monday.

Addressing participants of a skills competition, organised by the varsity and NAVTTC’s regional office, she said the federal government had launched phase one and two of the skills development programme through NAVTTC to mitigate unemployment and poverty.

The competition was held to encourage candidates being trained in seven different trades in various public and private institutes of the area under phase-II of the programme.

Around 50 people undergoing vocational training in various disciplines, including welding, tailoring and dress-making, exhibited their skills at the event.

Later, Umer, NAVTTC Islamabad director Abdul Latif and Sukkur IBA director Nisar Ahmed Siddiqui distributed cash prizes of Rs20,000, Rs15,000 and Rs10,000 among the position holders of each trade. Appreciating the work of trainees, Umer revealed that 25,000 people are undergoing training across the country at the moment as part of the programme’s phase-II. Highlighting future plans of NAVTTC, she said the commission aims to establish a skill development university, a job placement centre and ‘centers of excellence’ in each province.

Siddiqui said the programme empowers the youth by providing them opportunities to earn for their families. In his welcome note, he advised the youth not to depend upon the government for jobs, and by changing their mindset, opt for vocational training. He said “today’s youth has realised this and is thus getting technical training in various trades.” At Sukkur IBA, he said, we encourage students to become entrepreneurs, so they not only earn for themselves but also provide employment to others.

Express Tribune

Addressing to the women journalists of training course, Khurshid Shaikh underlined the need to work hard and make people realised that women of our country are equally talented and capable of doing challenging jobs as well. He also urged for utilising a weapon of media for resolving people issues. He said women could maintain their credibility among masses by writing truth.

Addressing at the occasion, Ms Fauzia Shaheen of Women Media Centre briefed about the aims and objectives of training programme. She also informed that in order to provide field experience to female mass communication graduates, Women Media Centre organises such programmes at country level and 2200 women of all provinces of Pakistan had been provided such training.

Business Recorder

The Chief Guest at the event was Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reforms. Amjad Rasheed, CEO, Taraqee Foundation, said, “Taraqee Foundation has collaborated with the Government of Balochistan, PPAF and skill providers to give the youth internationally recognized trainings and help them gain overseas employment opportunities.” Zulfiqar Ahmed Durrani, Secretary Planning & Development Department, Government of Balochistan, said, “The credit of this initiative goes to PPAF and Taraqee Foundation. We need to understand that there is a limit to how many jobs can be created by the government and many of the jobs the government can create are clerical in nature.

Balochistan has been undergoing numerous crises and insurgencies and we need to keep the youth from becoming disillusioned. Providing the youth with skills and jobs is a critically important step in bringing prosperity to Balochistan.” Qazi Azmat Isa, CEO, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, said, “Balochistan is the future of Pakistan and in the recent years there has been growing hope for Balochistan in part due to responsible leadership working towards sustainable change.

Pakistan Observer

This program trains young men and women, while helping local trainers do a better job. The initiative also conducts research, and engages in advocacy on youth employment issues. “I was very impressed by the perseverance and accomplishments of the trainees I met today,” said Groarke. “USAID is proud to support these young women and men in developing skills that will help them build a more secure future for themselves and their families.”

Over the course of three years, USAID and UNDP’s initiative will train more than 13,760 young men and women in Lyari, Korangi, Sultanabad, and other areas of Karachi. The project aims for at least 70 percent of those individuals to secure full-time employment. Less than four months into the initiative, 1,832 people have enrolled. As part of the program, the UNDP has signed agreements with four garment and home textile companies: Gul Ahmed Textile Mills, Kings Apparel, Eastern Garments and Soorty Enterprises, and 10 vocational training institutes.

Business Recorder

The findings of the study were shared by Dr Zafarullah at a HRCP consultation on ‘Enhancing Security of Media Persons.’The study says that the Pemra charges exuberant license fees, annual renewal fee and 5-7.5 per cent of annual gross advertisement revenues as per audited accounts from Satellite televisions and FM Radios. “Pemra has recently given money and loan to the government. What if this fund can be used to betterment of journalist community?” questioned the author of the study.

The consultation was attended by media community representatives and civil society activists who held an in-depth discussion on the security and safety issues faced by the journalists around the country and suggested solutions. They said that the state is responsible for providing security to media persons and demanded the Parliament to adopt and implement Journalists Safety Bill at the earliest.

They said that media persons are facing threats from different sections of the society. “They might have differences in many other issues but both state and non state actors agree to suppress media as they consider media a threat,” said anchorperson Hamid Mir. He endorsed the demand of making security agencies answerable to Parliament.

Some criticised media houses and media persons for their policies and attitudes which they believed lead to further insecurity for journalists. “The whole society has adopted an attitude of militancy, even politicians and media persons sometime talk like war lords,” said Senator Afrasiab Khattak.

They also demanded of the government to make public the reports of the judicial commissions set up for attacks on journalists including Omer Cheema, Hamid Mir and Saleem Shahzad.

Eminent journalist, M Ziauddin said issues like safety and security must be part of the conditions for issuance of license to any media house. He stressed the role journalist community and media owners could play to protect employees. He said that competition among different media houses should not turn into rivalry.

Pakistan Federal Union Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt talked about the working conditions for media persons in Pakistan and said that it is important to first ensure the human rights of journalists which are violated every day. The participants said that the journalists are often sandwiched between the militants and the military in troubled spots like the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and between the separatists and the security in Balochistan.

Earlier, the author of the report Barrister Zafarullah shared the basic findings of the report. He said that the Pakistan must adhere to its international commitments and obligations under the UN system and create conducive environment for freedom of expression and right to life and liberty. The report demands the government to create effective institutional structure to promote and protect fundamental freedoms. It says that the courts must serve timely justice to ensure rule of law and put a full-stop on prevailing culture of impunity.

The report suggests that professional associations must join hands to establish a training institute at the federal and provincial levels to offer trainings on issues related to the safety and security of journalists and develop SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for the safety of media houses.

The research suggested the government to work in collaboration with the organisations that are dedicated to the cause of safety and security of the journalists and the media houses to get an accurate picture of the problem and governmental efforts for the safety and security of journalists must be better coordination with the provinces to garner meaningful results.

The report urged provincial governments to come forward to ensure safety and security of the journalists as it is a State responsibility in the constitutional scheme of Pakistan to protect life and liberties including the freedom of expression and the press. It encourages political parties to train their workers and activists to respect the role and value of free and independent media for democratic culture in the country and refrain from singling out any media house or a particular journalist who is critical of their ideas or strategies.

The report says that Pakistan is confronted with numerous challenges pertaining to the safety and security of its citizens. More than 50,000 citizens and men in uniform have lost their lives. The research points out that the press, media, and journalists have also become the frontline sufferers and it appears that many actors of this chaos have deliberately ‘zoomed in’ on the media, primarily to dictate their narrative on these channels of communication and also to earn some oxygen of publicity for their odd cause. It says that in many instances of violence against the journalists the victims are those who are reluctant to follow ‘stereo-typical’ notions of security or are vocal critics of extremist aberrations in the society.

According to the report, the Freedom Network estimates that more than 18,000 people are formally associated with the media. The average age of journalists has slumped from about 47 in 2002 to 23. It says that killings with impunity, harassment, intimidation etc. have made Pakistan a ‘dangerous place’ for journalists and media professionals.

The Reporters without Borders has ranked Pakistan 158th among total 180 countries in terms of freedom of expression in 2015. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) annually prepares an Impunity Index to highlight whether the journalists who lost their lives got justice or not. In CPJ’s 2015 Impunity Index Pakistan ranked 8th out of the 14 countries.

The CPJ’s research on Impunity Index reveals that the suspected sources of fire on journalists included political groups (45 per cent), officials (24 per cent), criminal groups (12 per cent), mob violence (3 per cent) and unknown (18 per cent). In terms of beats covered by victims overwhelming 64 percent covered politics and conflict situations and 24 percent corruption and crime.

Majority of the victims worked for print media (48 per cent) followed by broadcast reporters and camera operators (41 percent) and photographers (9 per cent). The victims were 100 percent male and in 84 percent cases there was complete impunity and only in the case of 6 per cent what could be labelled as ‘partial justice.’

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TEVTA is doing all its best efforts for the youth including prisoners to become them skilful across the province of the Punjab. Out of 13 Jails, demand driven courses are being started from 15 February, 2016 in 4 jails while short courses will also be launched in remaining 9 jails from 15 Mach, 2016. Development work to establish Technical Training centres in Jails is already continued.

An agreement between TEVTA and Home Department has already been signed and according to the agreement 6400 prisoners will be trained annually in 13 different jails across the province of the Punjab. It was stated by Chairperson TEVTA Irfan Qaiser Sheikh while meeting with Inspector General Prisons Mian Farooq Nazeer here yesterday at TEVTA Secretariat. Chief Operating Officer TEVTA Jawad Ahmed Qureshi, D.I.G. Jail Naveed Rauf and other officers were also present.

Irfan Qaiser Sheikh said that at present, the mostly prisoners are unemployed and they do crime due to financial crises. After become skilful, they will earn in respectable manners and the crime rate will be reduced in the province. Technical training centres are being established in 9 Central Jails, 2 Women Jails and 2 Juvenile Jails including Central Jail Mianwali, Sahiwal, Gujranwala, Kot Lakhpat Lahore, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Multan, DG Khan, Rawalpindi, Multan, Women Section District Jail Faisalabad, Brostal Jail Faisalabad and Brostal Jail Bahawalpur.

Chairperson TEVTA further said that the prisoners Male, Female and Juvenile undergoing sentence will be imparted demand driven vocational training in the fields of Home Appliances Repair, Electrician, Wood work-Carpenter, Beautician, Domestic Tailoring, Welder, Plumber, Motor Cycle Mechanic, Tractor Mechanic, Machine Embroidery, Computer Applications, Motor Winding, Fashion Designing, Hand Embroidery, Industrial Stitching. TEVTA will provide machinery, equipment, furniture, curriculum, training manuals and staff. Expenditures involved in Admission, Examinations and certifications will be borne by Home Department. Registration, their examinations and award of certifications of students/prisoners with PBTE/Trade Testing Board shall also be arranged by TEVTA.

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