ROLAND GARROS BOWS TO RAFAEL NADAL IN A HEART-WRENCHING GOODBYE TO A LIVING LEGEND

· Rafael Nadal received an emotional farewell at Roland Garros, where his legacy was honored with heartfelt tributes.
· Nadal, who won a record 14 French Open titles, was celebrated by fans in red “Merci Rafa” shirts and a standing ovation on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
· The 38-year-old tennis icon reflected on his 20-year journey at the tournament, calling the clay court the most important of his career.
· Joined by rivals Federer, Djokovic, and Murray, Nadal received a footprint plaque and bid farewell alongside his young son, marking the end of an era.

Mahtab Bashir
mahtabbashir@gmail.com

+92 333 53 63 248

These days in Pakistan, the phrase “Rafale Nadhaal” has taken on a triumphant tone, as the Pakistan Air Force recently downed Indian Rafale jets in a show of aerial dominance. But thousands of miles away in Paris, the name "Rafael Nadal" boomed for a very different reason.

At Roland Garros, it wasn’t fighter jets but a tennis legend being saluted. Amid tears, cheers, and a wave of brick-red T-shirts emblazoned with “Merci Rafa,” the French Open paid a heartfelt tribute to Rafael Nadal - the undisputed king of clay who ruled its courts like no other.

Few names in the history of sport are as intrinsically linked to a single tournament as Rafael Nadal is to the French Open. For two decades, the Spaniard reigned supreme on the clay courts of Roland Garros, claiming an unmatched 14 titles and creating a legacy that transcends tennis. On Sunday, the tournament returned the favour, bidding a deeply emotional farewell to its greatest champion.

Now 38 and retired from professional tennis since last year, Nadal was honoured in a touching ceremony that opened this year’s French Open. The moment was both a celebration and a goodbye, as thousands of fans rose to their feet in a standing ovation, many donning red shirts emblazoned with the heartfelt message, “Merci Rafa.”

As Nadal stepped onto Court Philippe-Chatrier, the stage where he carved out much of his legend, a montage of his most iconic moments began to roll on the big screens. The 22-time Grand Slam winner -visibly moved- fought back tears, overwhelmed by the emotion of a place that had been his battlefield and his home.

In a voice trembling with sentiment, Nadal began his speech in French: “This is tough… I don’t know where to start after playing on this court for the past 20 years.” He then switched between English and Spanish, reflecting on a journey that began when he was just 18 years old. Over the years, he compiled a staggering 112-4 record at Roland Garros, winning every single one of his 14 finals played on this very court- a place he called, “without doubt, the most important tennis court of my career.”

Nadal gave heartfelt thanks to those who stood by him throughout, including his longtime coach and uncle, Toni Nadal. As emotions peaked, three of his greatest rivals - Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray - joined him on court. Their embrace was a symbol of fierce competition blended with mutual respect.

“We showed the world how to fight hard and still remain good colleagues,” Nadal said. “You pushed me to my limits, and I’m grateful for it.”

The ceremony closed with Nadal receiving a plaque of his footprint, now immortalized at Roland Garros. With his young son by his side, Nadal waved goodbye, saying, “I can no longer play in front of you, but my heart will always remain here.”

FROM TRAINING PORTERS TO PROTECTING PEAKS, GALLO'S MISSION BLENDS SUSTAINABILITY, COMMUNITY UPLIFT & ECO-TOURISM IN PAKISTAN

· Maurizio Gallo is spearheading the creation of Gilgit-Baltistan’s first world-class mountaineering school to promote sustainable and eco-friendly tourism.
· His four-point action plan includes improving communication, skill certification, attitude transformation, and aligning with international mountaineering standards.
· Gallo has worked in Pakistan since 2004, introducing rescue systems, eco-toilets, and waste incinerators, yet waste management remains a major challenge.
· He views local porters as unsung heroes and is committed to empowering them through training, recognition, and Sherpa-style skill development.
· Despite bureaucratic hurdles and lack of infrastructure, Gallo continues his mission to protect mountain ecosystems and uplift mountain communities across Pakistan.

Mahtab Bashir

ISLAMABAD: High in the shadows of the world’s greatest peaks, where the air thins and silence dominates, a quiet revolution is underway - not of flags planted or records broken, but of knowledge shared and futures reshaped.

At the heart of this movement is Maurizio Gallo, an ecotourism visionary with the Italian organization EvK2CNR, who has devoted the past two decades to the untamed beauty and untapped potential of Pakistan’s mountain regions.

File photo of Maurizio Gallo 

While others come to conquer summits, Gallo comes to build from the ground up. With a deep respect for nature and a tireless commitment to the communities that live in its harshest corners, he is now leading efforts to establish Gilgit-Baltistan’s first world-class mountaineering school - a pioneering institution designed not only to elevate climbers but to anchor sustainable, eco-friendly tourism in the heart of the Karakoram.

For Gallo, a 70 years old from Italy, the mountain is not a place to leave footprints, but a place to build foundations. “The people who live and work here -especially the porters - are the true heroes of every expedition,” he says. “It’s time we gave them the tools, training, and recognition they deserve.”

Speaking to this scribe alongside a handful of journalists covering climate and environmental issues, Maurizio Gallo delivered his message with quiet urgency: the mountains are sending a distress signal- and we can no longer afford to delay. “The time to act is now,” he stressed.

Media persons with Maurizio Gallo. Regional Manager EvK2CNR, Arif Hussain, also seen in the picture.  

Gallo laid out a four-point action plan he believes is vital to reshaping the future of mountaineering in Gilgit-Baltistan: enhancing communication, certifying skills, cultivating a mindset of responsibility, and aligning practices with international standards. These aren’t just recommendations- they’re the foundation stones for building a sustainable, globally respected mountaineering culture in one of the world’s most majestic yet vulnerable regions.

Since 2004, EvK2CNR has been deeply involved in northern Pakistan’s environmental and tourism sectors -setting up eco-toilets at multiple high-altitude camps, developing rescue systems, installing waste incinerators, and launching training and awareness programs. But despite these efforts, Gallo concedes that waste management, especially in areas like Karakoram National Park, remains a major unresolved challenge.

He emphasizes that the mountaineering school will not only elevate technical skills and rescue readiness but also introduce Sherpa-style training and sustainable tourism practices that respect both the environment and local culture.

“Our work extends beyond mountaineering,” Gallo said, highlighting projects related to climate change, water resource management, and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage in collaboration with local stakeholders. EvK2CNR has also developed the management plans for both Karakoram and Deosai National Parks.

However, Gallo warns that barriers such as complicated permit systems, lack of basic facilities, unregulated mountaineering fees, and the absence of proper bylaws continue to hinder progress in ecotourism and cultural tourism. Even so, his determination remains unshaken.

He lamented that while Nepal proudly boasts 35 internationally certified porters accompanying mountaineers, Pakistan has yet to produce even one—a glaring gap in recognition and preparedness. 

With experience from similar initiatives in Nepal, Rwanda, and Italy, Gallo’s mission in Pakistan is not just about reaching summits -but about uplifting communities and protecting some of the world's most fragile, awe-inspiring landscapes for generations to come.

Mahtab Bashir is a passionate nature enthusiast, a journalist, and an M.Phil scholar at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad who can be reached at mahtabbashir@gmail.com or 0333 5363248.

FROM SONIC DREAMS TO SMOKING WRECKS: THE RISE & FALL OF CONCORDE & RAFALE

* Concorde: A supersonic icon that cut transatlantic flights to 3.5 hours, grounded forever after a fatal 2000 crash.
* Rafale: A symbol of modern airpower, its aura dimmed in May, 2025 when Pakistan downed Indian Rafales, shaking assumptions of air superiority.

Mahtab Bashir 

mahtabbashir@gmail.com

+92 333 53 63 248 

Islamabad 

In the annals of aviation, few names stir the soul like Concorde and Rafale. One was a sleek silver dart that tore through the stratosphere at twice the speed of sound, the other, a predator of the skies- deadly, agile, and born from the crucible of modern air warfare. These two marvels, born of French engineering and ambition, have written stories not just in the sky, but in history itself.

Concorde: The Supersonic Swan
Birth of a Dream:

In the 1960s, when the Cold War fed the world's hunger for speed and spectacle, Britain and France joined hands to birth a revolution. The result: Concorde, a supersonic passenger jet that looked like a bird from the future and flew like one too.

With its pointed nose- drooping humbly during takeoff and rising like a lance in flight- Concorde was more than transportation. It was an experience reserved for the elite, slicing New York–London travel time to just under 3.5 hours.

Specifications:
Top Speed: Mach 2.04 (2,180 km/h)
Cruising Altitude: 60,000 ft (where you could literally see the curvature of the Earth)
Engines: 4 × Rolls-Royce/Snecma Olympus 593 turbojets
Range: 7,222 km
Passenger Capacity: ~92–128
Unit Cost (1970s): ~$23 million (equivalent to over $150 million today)

Tragic Silence:
Concorde's reign ended with a tragedy that echoed through aerospace corridors. On July 25, 2000, Air France Flight 4590 burst into flames shortly after takeoff from Paris. A stray strip of metal on the runway punctured a fuel tank. 113 lives were lost. Though Concorde returned to the skies briefly, its days were numbered. By 2003, the icon was retired—its thunder silenced.

Rafale: The French Falcon of War
A New Kind of Warrior:

If Concorde was poetry in motion, the Dassault Rafale is a symphony of steel and storm. Developed by Dassault Aviation and introduced in 2001, Rafale, French for “gust of wind”is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter built not just to dominate air-to-air combat, but also strike ground targets with clinical precision.

Its lines are elegant, its reflexes feline. In the cockpit sits a single pilot, surrounded by sensors, data fusion magic, and an arsenal that would make even seasoned generals nod in approval.

Specifications:
Top Speed: Mach 1.8 (2,222 km/h)
Range: 3,700 km (ferry), 1,852 km (combat radius)
Engines: 2 × Snecma M88-2 turbofans
Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft
Weapons: Meteor missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, HAMMER bombs, Exocet anti-ship missiles, and a 30mm DEFA 791B cannon
Radar: Thales RBE2 AESA radar
Unit Cost: ~$85–120 million (depending on configuration)

India and Beyond:
In 2016, India inked a landmark deal for 36 Rafale jets, a decision that stirred domestic political storms but gave the Indian Air Force a formidable edge. Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE have also acquired the aircraft, further polishing its global combat reputation.

Crashes in the Clouds
Despite its agility, even the Rafale has met the fury of gravity. Over the years, a handful of crashes have been reported:

December 2007: A French Air Force Rafale crashed in southern France during a training mission—pilot ejected safely.

September 2009: A tragic mid-air collision during a training flight off the Mediterranean coast claimed the life of one pilot.

July 2022: A Rafale M (naval version) experienced a landing mishap aboard the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle—the pilot survived.

Each incident has led to reviews, system upgrades, and deeper respect for the machine’s complexity and lethality.

In the early hours of May 7, 2025, reports emerged claiming that Pakistan's military had downed multiple Indian fighter jets, including French-made Rafale aircraft, during a series of aerial engagements along the Line of Control (LoC). These reports have sparked significant attention and debate within the defence community.

The Claims and Initial Reactions
Pakistani officials asserted that their air force had successfully targeted and destroyed five Indian aircraft, comprising three Rafale jets, a MiG-29, and a Sukhoi Su-30MKI. These claims were supported by images of wreckage and electronic signatures purportedly identifying the downed aircraft. Additionally, a senior French intelligence official reportedly confirmed the loss of at least one Rafale jet. 

In response, shares of Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale, experienced a decline, while stocks of China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), producer of the JF-17 and J-10C jets used by Pakistan, saw a significant increase .

Scrutiny and Counterclaims
Despite the initial reports, several defence analysts and experts have raised questions about the veracity of the claims. A detailed analysis by The Economic Times highlighted discrepancies in the evidence provided, suggesting that the images and electronic data might not conclusively support the assertion that Rafale jets were downed .

According to The Guardian, U.S. officials confirmed that at least two Indian jets were downed by Pakistan, including a Rafale, but noted that the downing was likely achieved using Chinese-made J-10C aircraft and PL-15 missiles, rather than Pakistan's indigenous JF-17s .

Skyline Shift: Strategic Ripples in Modern Air Combat
With the reported downing of India’s Rafale jets, a new chapter in aerial warfare has been written, one not just of shifting technology, but of sheer human resolve. Once hailed as near-invincible, the Rafale’s fall to the ground has stirred deep reflections on the limits of Western aerospace might when met by Eastern innovation. Yet beyond the hardware, it is the hands on the controls that have captured the world’s imagination.

The pilots of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) soared not just with machines, but with patriotism, courage, calculation, and unmatched composure. In the face of superior-rated jets, they executed precision strikes with surgical finesse—demonstrating not only the edge of their training but the steel of their nerves. Across defence circles worldwide, admiration now tilts toward the aviators who, with grit and grace, disrupted a decades-old balance in the sky. In that moment of conflict, it wasn’t just jets that clashed - it was doctrines, and the PAF rewrote them with valour inked at Mach speed.

From Sonic Dreams to Supersonic War-birds
Where Concorde was a phoenix that soared too close to the sun, Rafale is a relentless predator of modern skies. One was elegance and luxury incarnate; the other is the cutting edge of military aviation.

Together, they tell a story of France’s skybound ambition, of reaching beyond what is possible, and sometimes, paying the price for it. The Concorde may never return, but the Rafale may ensure that France’s legacy in the skies is far from over after Pakistan downs two Rafale fighters of India in recent border escalation. 

GLOBAL DISABILITY SUMMIT IN BERLIN: A GROUNDBREAKING STEP TOWARDS INCLUSION FOR 1 BILLION PEOPLE

Waqar Abbasi

Nawa-e-Waqt  

waqar051@gmail.com

Berlin, Germany — The third edition of the Global Disability Summit (GDS) has concluded in Berlin, marking a historic moment for the global disability movement. Co-hosted by Germany, Jordan, and the International Disability Alliance (IDA), the summit brought together over 4,500 participants from more than 100 countries, including a significant number of people with disabilities. The summit focused on fostering global collaboration to improve the lives of the 1 billion people living with disabilities worldwide.

Amman-Berlin Declaration Unveiled with Major Global Commitments

The highlight of the summit was the unveiling of the Amman-Berlin Declaration, a landmark agreement that sets a concrete goal: ensuring that 15% of all global development projects promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities. With the endorsement of over 100 countries and international organizations, this declaration establishes measurable targets for inclusion and accessibility, marking a significant step forward in the global fight for disability rights.

German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, hailed the declaration as a pivotal moment. "This initiative strengthens disability rights advocates worldwide. It sets the foundation for implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," Schulze said.

Summit Draws Record Participation

The summit, hosted by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), exceeded expectations in both scope and attendance. Delegates from government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the business sector, as well as more than 45 delegates from Pakistan, were present. The event also featured prominent leaders, including German Chancellor and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Jordan, who attended the opening ceremony.

Global Disability Summit 2025 – (From left to right): His Royal Highness Prince Mired bin Ra'ad bin Zeid Al-Hussein of Jordan, German Development Minister Svenja Schulze, His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Nawaf Kabbara, President of the International Disability Alliance, come together in a powerful show of global unity for inclusion. Photo Credit: Florian Gaertner / photothek.net

Over the course of two days, more than 60 sessions were held, where participants discussed a range of issues affecting the global disabled population, including education, rehabilitation, and equal access to opportunities. The summit's atmosphere was one of shared commitment, with over 800 pledges made to improve accessibility for people with disabilities worldwide.

Focus on Inclusive Development and Donor Engagement

One of the summit's key themes was the need for donor countries to become active partners in funding initiatives for persons with disabilities. This collaboration aims to secure at least 15% of development funds for the disability community, ensuring that projects for disabled people receive adequate support. The conference also saw intense discussions on the role of international organizations like the United Nations and UNICEF in providing education, rehabilitation, and grants for people with disabilities.

International Cooperation to Strengthen Disability Rights

Germany and the African Union have agreed to collaborate on strengthening organizations that represent disabled people on the African continent. This partnership will help ensure that by 2028, people with mental and physical disabilities in Africa will have access to critical data and resources.

Participants of GDS-2025 - Credit: Felix Zahn/ photothek.net

The summit also served as a platform for various countries to share successful models and programs aimed at addressing the needs of persons with disabilities. These shared experiences will serve as valuable tools for other nations looking to implement similar initiatives.

The Road Ahead: Inclusion for All

As the summit drew to a close, the international community reaffirmed its commitment to the inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities. While the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has been ratified by 192 countries, the summit underscored that much work remains to be done. The summit's collaborative spirit and the adoption of the Amman-Berlin Declaration signal a renewed global focus on making inclusion a reality for all.

Waqar Abbasi is a Senior Correspondent for Daily Nawa-e-Waqt and serves as the Finance Secretary of the National Press Club in Islamabad. He can be reached at waqar051@gmail.com

LAHORE RANKS SAFER THAN LONDON, NEW YORK, AND PARIS, REVEALS NUMBEO

* The city saw a dramatic 50% drop in crime from 2023 to 2025, with major declines in robbery and theft.
* Smart policing, surveillance, and community engagement credited for Lahore’s security transformation.
* Pakistan’s Capital Islamabad Islamabad also gained global recognition, ranking 93rd with a strong safety index score of 67.9.

Mahtab Bashir
mahtabbashir@gmail.com

03335363248

ISLAMABAD: Amid the thunderclouds of tension looming between nuclear neighbors India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam incident, a quiet but remarkable story of hope, progress, and perception is unfolding in the heart of Pakistan: Lahore, once synonymous with chaotic charm and historical hustle, has emerged as one of the safest major cities in the world — outshining global heavyweights like London, New York, and Paris.

Lahore is the very same city that, in March 2019, stood at the center of a high-stakes moment in subcontinental history — when Pakistan, under the eyes of the world, returned captured Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman across the Wagah Border, offering a fleeting yet powerful gesture of peace.

In the 2025 edition of the Numbeo Crime and Safety Index, Lahore ranked 37th globally for low crime and 63rd among the world’s safest cities, leapfrogging over 249 other metropolises — including some of the world’s most developed urban hubs. The city that hugs the Indian border and pulses with Mughal history and modern ambitions is now being celebrated not just for its food and festivals, but for its falling crime and rising sense of security.

This is no statistical fluke. According to the data-driven index, which draws real-time, crowdsourced inputs from citizens worldwide, Lahore’s crime index sits at 37, and its safety index soars at 63 — far ahead of New York (50.7), Paris (51.1), Rome (48.8), and even London (47.6). It's a seismic shift in perception, but one firmly anchored in fact.

Perhaps even more surprising is the transformation underway in Lahore itself. A city once criticized for overstretched law enforcement and burgeoning population pressure has witnessed a stunning drop in crime — a near 50% decrease in overall reported incidents from 2023 to 2025. Robbery and homicide? Down 64%. Street crimes? Cut by more than half. Even vehicle theft — a long-standing urban nuisance — saw significant reductions across all categories.

Behind the numbers is a quiet urban revolution. Officials credit the turnaround to a blend of smart policing, real-time surveillance systems, improved community engagement, and political will. Where once there were blind spots, now there are CCTV cameras. Where once residents felt abandoned, now there are helplines, rapid-response units, and neighborhood watch programs.

“Lahore is not just surviving; it’s thriving,” said one security analyst. “And this recognition from Numbeo places it on the global map as a model city for safety — especially in the developing world.”

The Numbeo database, often used by governments, investors, and NGOs, is more than just a numbers game. As the world’s largest crowdsourced platform for cost of living and quality of life data, it captures how people feel about their cities. And in Lahore, it seems, people are finally feeling safer.

The momentum isn’t isolated. Islamabad, the serene federal capital, also made its mark — ranked 93rd out of 380 cities worldwide, with a strong safety index of 67.9. Previously declared a “family station” by the United Nations due to its high livability, Islamabad continues to serve as a symbol of relative peace and order in the region.

While headlines often focus on conflict, today, Lahore’s story offers a different narrative — one of transformation, resilience, and a city reimagining its future. From the chaotic traffic of Ferozepur Road to the manicured lawns of Gulberg, there's a growing sense that Lahore isn’t just rewriting its security script — it’s penning a new urban success story for South Asia.

BABAR AZAM SWINGS FROM ENGLISH WILLOW GRAY NICOLLS TO LOCAL PRIDE CHARAGHDIN-ABDUL RASHEED (CA)

FROM SUSSEX TO SIALKOT

Babar Azam swings Rs. 70 million historic deal with CA Sports

Mahtab Bashir
mahtabbashir@gmail.com
0333 53 63 248
ISLAMABAD

As Babar Azam, the Pakistan cricket sensation, bids farewell to English brand Gray Nicolls after a five-year partnership to embrace Sialkot’s local gem, CA, his bat faced a tough test against the West Indies in Multan, yielding only 8 and 5 runs. Yet, those stats hardly dim the brilliance of this gifted player, nor do they diminish the potential this transition holds for him.

Babar Azam, the dynamic 30-year-old batter, has bid farewell to his long-standing partnership with the English brand Gray Nicholls as of December 30, 2024. Embracing a new chapter, he has now signed on with CA Sports, a prominent cricket equipment manufacturer rooted in Pakistan.

Sources suggest that the former captain's pact with CA Sports is not only lucrative but also brimming with performance incentives. He is set to receive an impressive 70 million Pakistan rupees annually as a bat sponsorship fee, a record-breaking sum for any Pakistani batsman—rivaling the contracts of global cricket icons like Virat Kohli and Joe Root. Also, for every fifty and century he scores, Babar will earn further bonuses, adding an exciting edge to his on-field exploits.

Previously, Babar was a pivotal player in Gray Nicholls' promotional campaigns, even featuring in their illustrious “Fab Four” lineup. On January 1, Gray Nicholls cryptically hinted at the conclusion of their partnership with a thoughtful social media post showcasing a quote alongside his image.

In a swift celebration of their new collaboration, CA Sports introduced Babar with enthusiasm, launching a dedicated webpage for the “BA 56 King’s Edition” bat, now available for eager fans.

About CA Sports

Established in 1958 and headquartered in Sialkot, Punjab, CA Sports specializes in manufacturing high-quality cricket equipment and apparel. CA refers to the first initials of its founder's name, Charaghdin Abdul Rasheed. CA extensive product range includes everything from bats and protective gear to athletic footwear. As the official kit supplier for the Pakistan national cricket team, CA has a rich legacy of innovation, having pioneered the curve-shaped bat in 1979. CA Sports has had sponsorship deals with many international cricketers, including former Pakistani captain Babar Azam and Eion Morgan, Jason Roy, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Tamim Iqbal, Fakhar Zaman, and many other cricketers. Brand Ambassadors of CA Sports are Tamim Iqbal from Bangladesh, Tillakaratne Dilshan from Sri Lanka, Shoaib Malik from Pakistan, Chris Gayle from West Indies. CA has sponsored many national & international players like Inzamam ul Haq, Javed Miandad, Saeed Anwar, Moin Khan, Saleem Malik, Ijaz Ahmed, Umer Akmal, Haris Sohail, Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Brian Lara, Carl Hooper, Michael Bevan, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene, Marvan Atapattu, Jacob Oram, Shakib Al Hasan, and Shoaib Malik. CA is the official supplier to the Pakistan Cricket Board and sponsors the national cricket team.

About Gray Nicholls

Founded in 1855 through the merger of Grays and Nicolls, Gray Nicholls is a historic English cricket brand known for its premium equipment. Renowned for outfitting numerous England captains throughout the 1990s and 2000s, it remains a favorite among cricketers worldwide, including notable players like Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Sir Andrew Strauss and Sir Alastair Cook all used Gray-Nicolls throughout their tenures in charge. Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Yousuf, Shan Masood, Usama Mir, Saud Shakeel, Kushal Bhurtel, Karun Nair, Manish Pandey, Priyank Panchal, Shreyas Gopal, Sunil Gavaskar, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Kyle Verreynne, Brendan Taylor, Aaron Finch, David Warner, Annabel Sutherland, Ashton Turner, Ben Cutting, Ben McDermott, Beth Mooney, Cameron Green, Jess Jonassen, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Tahlia McGrath, Travis Head, Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Chris Woakes, Harry Brook, James Anderson, Sam Billings, Ben Foakes, Maia Bouchier, Mike Atherton, Ollie Pope, Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley, Zak Crawley, Bas de Leede, Amelia Kerr, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Babar Azam have also chosen Gray-Nicolls products at some point in their careers. 

SAFETY FIRST: JOURNALISTS TACKLE GENDER ISSUES & WORKPLACE HARASSMENT IN A DYNAMIC TWO-DAY WORKSHOP!

MAHTAB BASHIR
mahtabbashir@gmail.com
ISLAMABAD

The participants of the two-day workshop on “Gender Equality and Safety” while highlighting the essential role of such training in effectively resolving gender-sensitive issues, recommended that key stakeholders—media owners, representatives from media outlets, and officials from the Ministry of Human Rights, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Federal Ombudsman, a transgender, a psychologist and an HR official —be included in future sessions to enhance the outcomes of the training workshop.

Organized by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the training workshop sought to empower field journalists with vital technical skills to effectively manage field risks, elevate professional standards, and foster awareness of equal rights in the media sphere.

This holistic safety and gender equality workshop also brought together electronic, print and digital media journalists, with a dominance presence of female participants who addressed pressing issues such as security protocols, workplace harassment, and the safety of journalists in challenging environments, while navigating into essential aspects of gender equality.

Group photo of participant media practitioners with Secretary NPC Nayyar Ali

In her opening remarks, Rashida Shoaib, the IJF Coordinator for Islamabad and lead trainer, said that the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is a worldwide organization operating in 134 countries and representing more than 600,000 journalists. She shed light on the various challenges journalists encounter, outlined essential safety guidelines, and underscored the significance of the Women in Media Forum for supporting female journalists.

Rashida highlighted the imperative role of the Women in Media Forum within the IFJ, which boasts 250 members. She stressed the importance of training bureau chiefs and chief reporters to raise awareness among journalists about the risks of violence. “The Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, must be fully implemented. Sadly, many women in media, especially those in the workplace, are unsure of the steps to take when faced with harassment from colleagues—such as which platform to use, how to file a complaint, and how to overcome the associated taboos,” she noted.

During an interactive discussion, the women journalists in attendance raised important questions about the various forms of workplace harassment. They highlighted that such behavior can manifest as inappropriate jokes, racial or ethnic slurs, coercion for dates or sexual favors, unsolicited remarks about someone's religion or attire, and unwelcome gazes or touching—actions that can be difficult to report and leave victims feeling frightened, often without any tangible proof. 

The trainer emphasized that gathering evidence is essential for speaking out against harassers before approaching the appropriate channels for support.

She emphasized that the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010 should be prominently showcased in every organization. However, when asked, most participants confessed that they had never encountered the framed act hanging on the walls of their media outlet.

Rashida Shoaib shared with the participants that harassment isn't solely a women's issue; men can also be victims, and sometimes a female colleague may be the one doing the harassing.

She advised that if someone experiences harassment at work, they should bypass the HR department and instead approach a dedicated harassment committee. However, many participants expressed that such committees either do not exist in their organizations or have never been established.

In an unpredictable world of journalism, especially for women exploring potentially perilous environments, unleashing a piercing scream can serve as a powerful shield against harassment or a swift response when it occurs. Embrace the strength of your voice without hesitation, advises lead trainer Rashida, encouraging female participants to let their cries echo boldly and unapologetically.

One participant noted, “When a case arises in our office, a committee made up of the bureau chief, chief reporter, or a senior reporter is formed to look into it.” She added that, in most instances, the investigators tend to downplay the situation to avoid tarnishing the organization’s reputation.

Romaisa Shah, the IJF Coordinator in Quetta and co-trainer, underscored the importance of Gender Equity and Equality by advocating for the inclusion of safety training for journalists in educational programs. She emphasized that media organizations have a key role to play in safeguarding their employees and ensuring their well-being.

During an engaging indoor/outdoor activity titled “Accepting Differences, Dealing With Discrimination,” Romaisa illustrated her point using a mix of apples and oranges. She explained that when an orange is placed among a sea of apples, it can appear intimidating. Furthermore, when the orange is only half peeled, it gives the impression of being unwelcomed. This analogy reflects the experience of newcomers in the workplace. Existing employees can inadvertently make newcomers feel uneasy in various ways, and it’s essential to foster a more supportive environment that encourages and uplifts them.

Muhammad Asad, a participant from Such News, expressed that workplace harassment can be effectively addressed through robust internal policies. “It’s not an insurmountable challenge; what we need is a thorough internal policy that aligns with the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010,” he stated.

He also emphasized the importance of including a female member on the committee responsible for handling harassment cases. He suggested that this committee should establish a code of conduct, including a dress code that all employees, regardless of their position, are expected to adhere to.

Shoaib Nizami from ARY News pointed out the irony in how female employees are sometimes prioritized over their male counterparts. “While women are granted maternity leave, men have never been offered paternity leave,” he lamented.

Participants noted that this workshop, which coincides with the annual global campaign "The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence" (Nov 25 to Dec 10), will greatly benefit us by educating us about our rights, how to advocate for them, and ways to make a difference through our profession. We extend our heartfelt thanks to IFJ for this awareness training session, where we gained more knowledge than we anticipated.

During the workshop, participating journalists received valuable training on field safety principles through engaging group activities, informative presentations, and lively discussions.

They learned the importance of staying vigilant during emergencies, honoring cultural norms, and adequately preparing for crisis reporting. The trainers placed special emphasis on the need for precautionary measures and risk assessment, particularly when covering protests or reporting in high-risk areas.

The special guest on the occasion, Nayyer Ali, Secretary of the National Press Club (NPC), Islamabad, expressed her delight at the increasing presence of women in journalism, a field often regarded as one of the most challenging professions. She noted that the NPC has expanded the number of executive positions available for female journalists and consistently encourages their participation. 

She emphasized the importance of increasing the number of women in media organizations, highlighting the need for equal job opportunities for all.

By the conclusion of the workshop, participants shared their optimism that this training would enhance journalists' professional skills while also prioritizing their safety. They committed to applying the knowledge and insights gained in their future careers.