Lahore: Second Day of the Journalist Safety Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop at Forman Christian College University (FCCU) continued with a comprehensive agenda to enhance participants' practical skills and address challenges in implementing safety projects within their communities.

Running from May 13th to May 16th, 2024, the workshop, "News Safety: A Holistic Approach to Journalist Safety," is organized by FCCU in collaboration with the Journalism and Media International Centre (JMIC), OsloMet University.

The day's sessions commenced focusing on training methods as the main difference between teaching and learning. Participants engaged in creating a bank of training methods, sharing their experiences, and exploring the learning cycle. Practical exercises, including role-play and ice-breaking techniques, allowed attendees to actively participate and apply their newfound knowledge in creating safety exercises.

One of the highlights of the day was a session titled "Behind the Mask: Identity Challenges in the World of Deepfakes and AI," led by Ms. Asma Basharat, Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at FCCU. The session delved into the complexities of identity preservation amidst technological advancements, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding journalists' identities in the digital age.

Following a brief break, participants delved into discussions on challenges encountered while implementing safety training and projects within their schools or local communities. Topics ranged from psychosocial safety and trauma management challenges to physical and digital obstacles. Exercises were conducted to facilitate the creation of mitigation strategies and action plans.

The day concluded with a closing ceremony graced by Dr. Altaf Ullah Khan, Dean of Humanities at FCCU, who emphasized the integrity of journalist safety in the era of prevalent social media. Dr. Firasat Jabeen, Head of the Department of Mass Communication at FCCU, expressed her gratitude for the continued collaboration between FCCU and Oslo Metropolitan University for five years, underscoring the importance of such partnerships in fostering excellence in journalism education.

The event culminated with a certificate distribution ceremony, marking the successful completion of Day 2 of the workshop.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday assured to extend full cooperation to all provinces to achieve the objectives of Green Pakistan Initiative for bright future of the country.

Chairing a meeting of the Land Information and Management System in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, he encouraged the team of Green Pakistan Initiative to work hard for national and economic development.

The President was informed about better management of water on modern lines and agriculture, canal cleaning, IT-based operations, and efficient water management in the agricultural sector under the Green Pakistan Initiative.

Asif Ali Zardari was also briefed about the concept of agricultural malls and the operations of smart farms for the convenience of farmers and the development of the agricultural sector.

Rawalpindi: An army officer was martyred and three terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Zhob district, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday. Security officials seized weapons, ammunition and explosives from them.

According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an IBO in the district’s general area of Sambaza and “effectively engaged” the terrorists, adding that three were subsequently “sent to hell”.

“During the intense exchange of fire, leading his troops from the front, Major Babar Khan, 33, resident of District Mianwali, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom,” the ISPR said.

It added that a sanitisation operation was being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists present in the area.

“Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR concluded.