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.
The program commenced with a welcome by Member of the faculty Mass Communication Department Taizeen 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 Sciences at Iqra University, and Mubashir 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.
“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.
“Press freedom goes beyond the right to speak—it’s about ensuring the truth is communicated responsibly. These values must be safeguarded while embracing the realities of the digital age,” added Mubashir Mir.
The seminar featured five engaging panel discussions, each addressing key challenges in today’s media environment:
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.
Panel 3 – Media Laws & Ethics
Once again chaired by Justice (Retd.) Nadeem Akhtar and moderated by Mubashir Mir, the panel included Mukhtar Butt, Barrister Yasin Azad, and Barrister Shahida Jamil. 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 Ms. 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 Taizeen Huma, who commended both KEC and Iqra University for championing the cause of media justice and encouraging stronger collaboration between academia and media institutions.
In 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.
