Bashir Hussain Azad
CHITRAL: A two-day training workshop on gender- and disability-sensitive disaster reporting concluded in Chitral, bringing together journalists from print, radio and social media platforms.
Organised jointly by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) and FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan, the workshop focused on improving disaster reporting, particularly coverage involving women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Journalists from Chitral Press Club, Radio Pakistan, Hot FM 97, Suno Radio and social media platforms attended the training. The programme included classroom sessions as well as a field visit to Bumburet Valley, where participants observed disaster-related risks and challenges on the ground.
Resource persons including Emergency Operations Manager Javed Ahmed, Training Manager Fida Hassan, Communications Coordinator Mehr Aftab and Karishma discussed media ethics, inclusion, responsible reporting and standard operating procedures for disaster coverage.
The trainers stressed the importance of accurate and sensitive reporting before, during and after disasters. They also highlighted the need to protect the dignity of affected people and give special attention to the needs of women and persons with disabilities.
At the closing ceremony, AKAH Pakistan Regional Programme Manager Engineer Altaf Hussain Shah distributed certificates among the participants.
He said journalists were key partners for organisations involved in disaster preparedness and response, particularly because timely and accurate information can help communities during emergencies.
Chitral Press Club President Zahiruddin appreciated the initiative and thanked AKAH and FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan for organising the training.