LOWER DIR: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), organised a training workshop for journalists on risk awareness and safe behaviour at the District Press Club Timergara on Wednesday.
The workshop was meant to enhance journalists’ understanding of personal safety and responsible reporting in hazardous environments.
Speaking on the occasion, PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deputy director Zubair Samad gave adetailed presentation on the dangers posed by explosive remnants of war, post-conflict challenges, disasters and emergencies. He also highlighted personal safety measures, timely response mechanisms and the principles of responsible reporting in sensitive situations.
The participants were informed about the importance of risk awareness formedia professionals, who often work in challenging and unpredictable environments while covering emergencies, natural disasters and conflict-related incidents.
PRCS Lower Dir district secretary Mohammad Islam, district focal person Bakht Rahman and a large number of journalists attended the seminar.
Speakers said media workers played a frontline role in disseminating information and raising public awareness, making it essential for them to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure their own safety while performing professional duties.
District Press Club Timergara president Haleem Asad welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely step towards strengthening the safety and professional capacity of media personnel.
He observed that journalists were frequently among the first responders during emergencies and natural disasters, but stressed that no compromise should be made on personal safety while carrying out professional responsibilities.
He said such training programmes would help journalists better understand risks in the field and enable them to keep the public informed in a safe and responsible manner.