TP Report
UPPER CHITRAL: A two-day training workshop on disaster reporting and personal safety for journalists and media persons concluded successfully in Upper Chitral, equipping participants with practical skills for responsible coverage during emergencies.
The workshop was organized by Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan to strengthen journalists’ capacity for effective reporting during natural disasters, enhance their understanding of safety protocols, and enable them to highlight the concerns of affected communities at national and international forums.
At the outset, Javed Ahmed, Manager Emergency Management, outlined the organization’s mission and operational framework. He stated that Focus Pakistan is undertaking proactive measures to manage emergencies not only in Chitral but across the country. He informed participants that protective tripods have been installed in avalanche-prone mountainous areas, while weather monitoring posts have been established in remote localities. Since 2015, these posts have enabled continuous monitoring and timely dissemination of weather updates to the public.
He further shared that emergency stockpiles have been set up in various villages, containing essential items such as shovels, hoes, tents, and first aid kits to ensure swift response in times of crisis. Trained volunteers under the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Village Emergency Response Team (VERT) are actively serving in each village to support relief efforts.
During the sessions, participants received detailed briefings on the professional responsibilities of journalists before, during, and after disasters. Emphasis was placed on personal safety, accurate risk assessment, precautionary measures during field assignments, and practical first aid techniques for assisting victims.
In an online session, Meher Aftab, Coordinator of Communication at Focus Pakistan, highlighted the organization’s communication policies and underscored the importance of ethical and responsible reporting during emergencies.
Regional Program Manager Wali Muhammad Khan noted that Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan operates as a subsidiary of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), playing a significant role in disaster management in multiple countries. He emphasized that the organization promotes Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) through structured local awareness and training systems.
He urged media professionals, as the fourth pillar of the state, to ensure accurate and responsible reporting during crises and to actively raise public awareness about environmental changes and disaster preparedness.
The closing ceremony’s chief guest, Assistant Commissioner Adnan Haider Maloki, appreciated the services of Focus Pakistan and acknowledged AKDN’s contributions in various sectors across both districts of Chitral. He expressed hope that the organization would continue supporting development initiatives with the same commitment and advised journalists to uphold professional integrity and responsibility while reporting on natural disasters.
