GUJRAT: As many as 70 local journalists and members of the Gujrat Press Club were invited to learn the ropes of modern media trends and practices by the Directorate of Press, Media & Publications of the University of Gujrat that organized a two-day training workshop titled: “Learn the Ropes of Modern Media” here at Hafiz Hayat Campus on Saturday.
The resource persons of the workshop, which was organized in collaboration with the Gujrat Press Club, were well-known anchors and journalists Mutiullah Jan, Aezaz Syed and Habib Akram. The guests of honour included President Gujrat Press Club (GPC) Bisharat Lodhi, Dean Prof Dr Zahid Yousuf, General Secretary GPC Raja Riyaz Rasikh, Dr Muhammad Yousuf and others.
Director Media Sheikh Abdul Rashid was in the host’s chair.
Mutiullah Jan, highlighting the revolutionary changes in the journalism practised today, said that the main duty of a journalist is to report the facts in good faith.
“Freedom of writing, freedom of speech and freedom of opinion is the first right of not only a journalist but every citizen of Pakistan. True journalism strengthens people’s trust and confidence in democracy,” he said.
Mutiullah Jan underlined the need for the political process to take its course for the sake of welfare of the people of Pakistan.
“A journalist is, in a manner of speaking, a public spokesperson who stirs people’s consciousness. A new wave of public awareness has emerged thanks to the modern means and techniques of communication,” Aezaz Syed said. He, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the mainstream media neglecting to support the ‘marginalized sections’ of society.
Shedding light on the development of electronic media, Aezaz Syed said that modern communication gadgetry will define new parameters of journalism in Pakistan.
Habib Akram, speaking on electoral reporting, shed ample light on the role of a journalist as the watchdog to prevent election rigging.
Independent media can become a barrier to prevent election rigging. Social media can play a decisive role in the forthcoming elections, as it directly influences public opinion.
Basharat Lodhi said that journalism is a sacred profession and the main duty of journalism is social reform. Sheikh Abdul Rashid linked social welfare with making a room for new but positive developments in the media.
Commemorative shields were presented to the guests of the workshop.
