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). Jointly organized by the Department of Media Sciences at Iqra University and KEC, the event brought together a diverse assembly of senior journalists, legal experts, media professionals, academics, and students.
The day-long seminar was designed to foster meaningful dialogue on the intersections of media, justice, law, misinformation, and digital transformation — framed within the broader context of Press freedom and ethical journalism in Pakistan.
A group photo after the pannel discussion by Sana Hashmi on Media and Judiciary
The program commenced with a welcome by Member of the faculty Media Studies Department Tazeen Huma, who also conducted the seminar with remarkable dedication, professionalism, and finesse. This was followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem.
Opening remarks were delivered by Professor M. Rashid Akbar, Head of the Department of Media Studies at Iqra University, and Mubasher Mir, President of the Karachi Editors Club. Both speakers emphasized the importance of cultivating responsible journalism and creating academic platforms that encourage critical thinking among emerging media professionals.
Sana Hashmi moderating a pannel discussion session on Media and Judiciary in the seminar
“In an era of information overload, conversations about journalistic ethics, accountability, and the legal environment surrounding media are more crucial than ever,” said Professor Rashid Akbar.
Mubasher Mir, said: “Press freedom goes beyond the right to speak — it’s about ensuring that the truth is communicated responsibly. These values must be safeguarded while embracing the realities of the digital age.”
The seminar featured five engaging panel discussions, each addressing key challenges in today’s media environment:
A group photo of speakers, Moderators and organisers after the seminar
Panel 1 – Media & Judiciary: Chaired by Justice (Retd) Nadeem Akhtar, Dean, Faculty of Law at Iqra University, and moderated by anchor Sana Hashmi, this session included Barrister Shahida Jamil, Zia Awan, and Senator Nihal Hashmi. The panel explored the complex relationship between media coverage and judicial proceedings.
Panel 2 – Digital Media: Also moderated by Sana Hashmi, this panel featured Nazakat Ali, Syed Khalid Mahmood, and Syeda Hoor Shumail. The discussion focused on the rapidly changing digital landscape, the rise of influencer reporting, and the implications of independent blogging.
Anjum Bano Dean of FADESS presenting memento to Irum Tanveer DG PID Karachi who presided the session on Media and Conflict in the seminar
Panel 3 – Media Laws & Ethics: Once again chaired by Justice (Retd) Nadeem Akhtar and moderated by Mubasher Mir. The panel included Mukhtar Butt, Yasin Azad Advocate Ex-President of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and Barrister Shahida Jamil, Ex Federal Minister for Law & Justice. Speakers addressed legal accountability, journalistic ethics, and the impact of political and commercial pressures on media integrity.
Panel 4 – Fake News: Veteran broadcaster Iqbal Jamil led this session alongside panelists Munawar Mirza, Naveed Arshad, and Imtiaz Khan Faran. The discussion highlighted the dangers of misinformation, its erosion of public trust, and the journalist’s duty to uphold factual reporting.
Panel 5 – Media & Conflict: Presided over by Irum Tanveer, Director General of the Press Information Department, Karachi, and moderated by Manzar Naqvi, this session featured Dr. Samreen Bari Aamir and Dr. Sidra Ahmed. The panel examined how media narratives shape public perception during conflicts both locally and internationally.
The seminar concluded with a keynote address by Faculty member Tazeen Huma, who commended both KEC and Iqra University for championing the cause of media justice and encouraging stronger collaboration between academia and media institutions.Mubasher Mir moderating a pannel discussion session on Media Law and Ethics in the seminar
Mubasher Mir moderating a pannel discussion session on Media Law and Ethics in the seminar
n his closing remarks, Manzar Naqvi, Secretary General of the Karachi Editors Club, expressed appreciation to the management and staff of Iqra University for their excellent organization and support. A formal vote of thanks was presented by Professor Dr. Anjum Bano, Dean of FADESS.
The event culminated in a cake-cutting ceremony celebrating the Karachi Editors Club’s anniversary. The seminar witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and media professionals, marking a noteworthy contribution to the ongoing conversation on media freedom, legal responsibility, and ethical journalism in Pakistan.
