Humanitarian journalism in itself is a humanitarian service, and Islamic publications must be fully equipped with contemporary tools and reporting techniques to serve the humanitarian purpose.
This was discussed at a two-day National Media Workshop on journalism during armed conflicts and emergencies co-organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Karachi on May 16 and 17, 2023.
The workshop, aimed at improving the capacity and efficiency of reporting during armed conflicts and emergencies, was attended by editors of religious journals, newspaper reporters, and analysts.
The workshop was conducted by Syed Nadeem Farhat, research fellow IPS, Dr Ziaullah Rahmani, regional adviser for Shariah, ICRC, Fawad Ahmed Sherwani, Helping Hands for Relief and Development (HRD), Aamir Latif, former secretary of Karachi Press Club and senior journalist, Faizullah Khan, reporter and senior journalist, Shabbir Soomro, senior journalist, Muhammad Tahir, senior journalist, Dr Muhammad Bilal Siddiqui, Naufil Shahrukh, GM Operations IPS, and Nicola Lambert, the ICRC Head of Delegation for Pakistan.
The first day of the workshop revolved around enhancing the capacity of journalists and editors while introducing them to humanitarian services, changing demands of the times, philanthropy, the Red Crescent Movement, related international laws, various information-gathering strategies, and different forms of human tragedy. As speakers presented their experiences in reporting armed conflicts and emergencies through multimedia, it was highlighted that reporting and analyzing human tragedies and humanitarian crises demand great caution and discretion.
On the second day of the workshop, a study circle was held with the participants on the topic of human services and their fundamental principles. Moreover, practical exercises and hands-on activities were conducted regarding situational observations and producing news and analysis relevant to specific scenarios.
Speaking at the end of the workshop, Lambert said that many of the ICRC’s services are being provided in Muslim countries and ICRC would continue the process of learning and teaching through such workshops.
