Iqra University Hosts ‘Media Justice’ Seminar to Mark World Press Freedom Day

The event was jointly organized by Iqra

University’s Department of Media

Sciences and the Karachi Editors Club

Staff Reporter

Karachi: A high-profile seminar titled “Media Justice” was held at the EDC Main Campus of Iqra University to commemorate World Press Freedom Day and celebrate the founding anniversary of the Karachi Editors Club (KEC). The event was jointly organized by Iqra University’s Department of Media Sciences and the Karachi Editors Club.

The full-day event brought together prominent journalists, legal experts, media professionals, academicians, and students for meaningful discussions on media freedom, misinformation, legal frameworks, and the digital transformation of journalism in Pakistan.

Seminar Opens with Strong Calls for Ethical Journalism

The event began with a warm welcome from Tazeen Huma, faculty member from the Media Studies Department, who also conducted the seminar with notable professionalism. It was followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem.

Professor M. Rashid Akbar, Head of the Department of Media Studies at Iqra University, and Mubasher Mir, President of KEC, delivered the opening remarks. Both stressed the importance of fostering critical thinking and accountability in journalism, especially in the digital age.

“In an era of information overload, conversations about journalistic ethics, accountability, and the legal environment surrounding media are more crucial than ever,” said Prof. Rashid Akbar.

“Press freedom goes beyond the right to speak—it’s about ensuring the truth is communicated responsibly,” added Mubasher Mir.

Five Thought-Provoking Panel Discussions Held

The seminar featured five expert-led panel sessions that addressed core challenges facing Pakistan’s media industry:

Panel 1 – Media & Judiciary

Chaired by Justice (Retd) Nadeem Akhtar, Dean, Faculty of Law, Iqra University, and moderated by Sana Hashmi. Panelists included Barrister Shahida Jamil, Zia Awan, and Senator Nihal Hashmi, who discussed the delicate relationship between media reporting and judicial proceedings.

Panel 2 – Digital Media

This session, also moderated by Sana Hashmi, included Nazakat Ali, Syed Khalid Mahmood, and Syeda Hoor Shumail. Speakers explored the rise of independent digital reporting, influencer journalism, and the evolving digital ecosystem.

Panel 3 – Media Laws & Ethics

Chaired by Justice (Retd) Nadeem Akhtar and moderated by Mubasher Mir, the panel featured Mukhtar Butt, Advocate Yasin Azad (Ex-President SCBA), and Barrister Shahida Jamil. The discussion centered on journalistic ethics, political pressure, and legal accountability.

Panel 4 – Fake News

Veteran journalist Iqbal Jamil led this panel with Munawar Mirza, Naveed Arshad, and Imtiaz Khan Faran. Speakers warned about the spread of misinformation, its impact on public trust, and the importance of fact-checking in modern journalism.

Panel 5 – Media & Conflict

Moderated by Manzar Naqvi and presided over by Irum Tanveer, Director General, PID Karachi. Panelists Dr. Samreen Bari Aamir and Dr. Sidra Ahmed highlighted how media framing influences perceptions during conflict situations, both locally and globally.

Closing Remarks Emphasize Collaboration Between Academia and Media

Tazeen Huma delivered the keynote address, commending both Iqra University and KEC for promoting media justice and ethical reporting. Manzar Naqvi, Secretary General of KEC, thanked the university’s administration and support staff for their cooperation.

Professor Dr. Anjum Bano, Dean of FADESS, concluded the seminar with a formal vote of thanks.

The event wrapped up with a cake-cutting ceremony celebrating the anniversary of the Karachi Editors Club, attended by enthusiastic students, faculty, and senior media professionals.