Daily Times

The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) held a training workshop on Thursday to empower journalists, legal professionals and civil society members in enhancing their capacity to promote human rights, fundamental freedoms and media independence.

The training session, held in Islamabad, brought together a diverse group of attendees, including civil society members, women journalists, legal professionals and human rights activists. The training was designed to address a range of critical issues, such as the ongoing suppression of media in Pakistan, the urgent need for media freedom and the protection of fundamental rights. These topics were especially important given the current socio-political climate, where journalists face many challenges in reporting freely and accurately.

Myra Imran, a lead trainer at the event, addressed the persistent challenge of media suppression in Pakistan, despite the existence of numerous laws designed to protect media freedom. She emphasised the critical need to bridge the gap between legislation and its practical implementation while stressing that media plays an essential role in raising public awareness about national and international issues. Imran highlighted the importance of a free and independent press in fostering democratic values and protecting human rights in the country.

The training covered a variety of key areas, including the development of strategic operationalisation plans for advocacy initiatives, the current media landscape with its various issues, institutions, incentives and risks and methods for effective engagement with relevant stakeholders.

The training also examined how journalists can effectively leverage digital tools, including AI and machine learning to ensure sound and responsible reporting. It emphasised the importance of authenticating data and using advanced technologies to enhance the credibility of journalistic work. Furthermore, discussions centred on the negative impacts of misinformation and disinformation while underscoring the responsibility of journalists to uphold unbiased reporting.

A major focus of the event was on gender inclusivity in the journalism industry, a field that remains predominantly male. The training emphasised the need for a supportive and inclusive work environment for women journalists and the importance of empowering them to take on leadership roles in media organisations.

Throughout the sessions, the significance of data collection and the importance of authenticating information were underscored as essential steps in ensuring the credibility and integrity of journalistic reporting. Participants were encouraged to use digital means to modernise their work while staying true to the core principles of ethical journalism.