Secours Islamique France (SIF) Pakistan Mission on Thursday organized a ‘meet up with media’ bringing together professionals and representatives from renowned print and electronic media channels to discuss their crucial role in disaster reporting and response.
The event aimed at strengthening partnerships between media and the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) for better disaster response in Pakistan.
In his welcome address, Head of Programmes, SIF, DrAltafHussainAbro briefed the media persons about the SIF’s initiatives and operation in calamity-hit areas, around 28 districts across Pakistan for last 12 years.
He emphasized increased cooperation between media and NGOs for enhanced disaster reporting and response. Media’s role he said was very important in policy-shaping and collaboration for greater visibility and beneficiary reach.
There were accessibility issues in remote areas, including Balochistan, some of KP’s districts and in interior Sindh, etc.
There is a need for pre-disaster reporting and training reporters in disaster journalism, it was highlighted during the meeting. Besides, data sharing and validation were also two important areas, a journalist must keep himself/herself abreast of, it was agreed during the discussion.
The media persons also discussed risk area identification and support for climate-hit communities and issues such as cultural and ethical sensitivities, local influential groups, involvement and handling of the local administration and the government officials, etc.
There is a need for awareness and pre-planning (homework) for preparing a good package or coverage of the disaster-hit population, areas or community, it was highlighted. Coordination and data authenticity are two additional factors that need to be kept in mind.
The event concluded with a consensus on the need for closer collaboration between media and humanitarian organizations to improve disaster response and build resilience in Pakistan’s most vulnerable communities. Action items included improving coordination between media and enhancing pre-disaster awareness and reporting.
Validating and sharing data responsibly and conducting training and simulation exercises for journalists were also in the list of actionable items.
The meeting called for ensuring inclusive and meaningful project implementations in vulnerable areas.
