October 26, 2021
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) organized a two-day workshop in the University of Turbat and Gwadar campus on October 11 and 12, 2021 respectively. Thirty students, senior faculty members of the university, and representatives from local media were among the participants. The main purpose of this workshop was to enhance the ability of the students to understand the importance of media ethics, critical thinking, and fake news.
Gohram Baloch, a freelance journalist from Balochistan, representing CRSS started the proceedings by presenting a welcome note and introduced the guests to the participants. Senior journalists and media experts; Tahir Javed Rathore, Shehzada Zulfiqar, and Mansoor Ahmed were amongst the trainers for this workshop. The inaugural address of the workshop was delivered by Dr. Abdul Saboor Baloch, Dean of Faculty of Languages and Humanities, and Jamil Baloch, Chairman, Departbment of Politics.
The workshop comprised of two sessions, Critical Thinking and Fake News. Addressing the workshop in University of Turbat, both Tahir Javed and Shehzada Zulfiqar shared their experiences and stressed on examining things critically and emphasized on knowing the significance of understanding their responsibilities as a responsible citizen.
The current cycle of breaking news and ratings along with negative news is spreading rapidly and attempts are being made to mislead the public, Rathore stated while talking about fake news. He further added that being responsible journalists, it is our duty to highlight misleading content and discourage the idea of spreading irrelevant information.
Tahir, further added that the vision of CRSS is to promote the youth by providing them with a platform where they can analyze things from their own perspective, and on the basis of their analysis their work can get recognition from the top-level. All the stakeholders should be taken into consideration before enacting legislation to curb fake news legally.
In the next session, participants were divided into two groups and were instructed to find three examples of critical thinking and fake news that could be used as an example to improve society. After drawing examples, both groups presented their recommendations to the audience.
Towards the end, participants were presented with certificates of participation on behalf of CRSS. Senior faculty members of the university including Protocol Officer Bahad Naseer along with Lecturer Mazar Gachki and Shakir Baloch expressed their gratitude by appreciating CRSS’ efforts for organizing such an informative and fruitful workshop for the youth of Balochistan. They also stressed on organizing such events in future as well.
In concluding remarks, both the experts acknowledged university administration for arranging the whole event and recognized their efforts for taking initiative by personally facilitating the students.\
Following recommendations were emanated from the discussions in the event:
- Training workshops should be a regular feature in order to bridge the gap between the youth of Balochistan and other provinces.
- Civil society and other training institutions should train journalists from Makran to enhance their professional capabilities and bring awareness to deal with fake news.
- The government and non-government organizations should grant suitable scholarships for students belonging to underprivileged areas of Balochistan.
Gwadar Press Club
A delegation of journalists led by President Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Mr. Shehzada Zulfiqar, former bureau chief SAMAA News Mr. Tahir Javed Rathore, and Mr. Masoor Ahmed cameraman DAWN news, visited Gwadar Press Club. President Gwadar Press Club, Mr. Ismail Baloch and vice president Mr. Noor Mohsin, along with other members of the press club received the guests.
Expressing his views on the occasion, Shehzada Zulfiqar stated that over the period of time, unions have been derailed. He expressed solidarity with the local journalists and offered unwavering support to them.
He further added that the National Press Club is only limited to Islamabad. Representation of press clubs should be ensured in all provinces. Politics in press clubs has drowned out journalism and unions. But fortunately, Quetta Press Club and Gwadar Press Club are still safe from the politics of press clubs.
Mr. Zulfiqar, suggested that press clubs should be established in remote areas of Balochistan as well. Especially when there are several journalists in that area, and journalism being their sole source of income. He further demanded that the government should immediately release the grant announced for Gwadar Press Club and other press clubs in Balochistan.
Following recommendations were emanated from the discussions in the event:
- Currently, local residents of Gwadar have concerns regarding CPEC because they are unaware of the benefits associated with this project. The Chinese and Pakistani government must engage with the locals to highlight the significance of this project and address any mistrust that exists.
- The local administration must engage with the people of Gwadar frequently to mitigate their grievances and to raise awareness amongst them.
Media Coverage
For further details and information about the event, please follow the links below;
