ISLAMABAD, APR 08 (DNA) – More than 1500 journalists from across the country will be trained on how to adopt safety measures while reporting from difficult areas.The nationwide journalist safety program is being funded by the Government of Denmark and was launched by Mr. Jakob Jakobsen, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Denmark at the inaugural session of the first ‘Training of Trainers’ session held in Islamabad.

While addressing the participants, Jakobsen applauded the media in Pakistan for playing a crucial role in the evolving socioeconomic and political discourse in Pakistan. Jakobsen however also raised the challenges being faced by many journalists, especially those reporting from conflict-affected areas, who were subjected to the risks of threats and violent attacks.

“Media is as a force for democratization and stability, as it plays an important role in building democratic and open societies by providing the public access to balanced and factual information. Unfortunately, journalists are working in a very challenging environment in Pakistan.

Many journalists have been killed in Pakistan over the past decade, which is a strong violation of freedom of information”, said Mr. Jakobsen. He expressed hope that through such safety trainings, many journalists would be better equipped to manage situations where there would be underlying risk factors.

The training program, which is being implemented by the International Media Support (IMS) in collaboration with Center for Peace and Development Initiative (CPDI) will be working on international best practices and safeguards adopted worldwide by journalists for their personal safety and security.

Dr. Ranga Kalansoria, the master trainer, imparted the training to the trainers who after this training shall further impart these trainings in all the four provinces of Pakistan reaching out to around 1500 journalists.
The training program is part of a two year project funded by the Government of Denmark and aimed to improve the skills and safety of journalists in Pakistan’s provinces, and enable media stakeholders to produce a consensus code of conduct for the entire sector.=DNA