JOURNALISTS RAISE VOICE FOR THE RESTORATION OF ISLAMABAD'S PRISTINE GREEN CHARACTER

Pledge to highlight the importance of preserving City's ecological gems amidst the evolving urban landscape through digital media platforms

A session on 'Understanding Environmental Journalism' 

* Why should Pakistan sign on to commitments like the MDGs and SDGs if we cannot meet the targets, only to face potential embarrassment?

* Climate change is a divisive issue pitting the southern and northern regions against each other: Afia Salam, Environmental Specialist/ Journalist 

* In order to create a high-quality production that effectively conveys a specific issue, it is essential to have top-notch content, presented in a clear and simple: Talha Ahad, Multimedia Journalist/ Documentary Filmmaker

* Every journalist should teach because engaging in teaching can enhance all skills, while online resources like Google Analytics certification offering valuable knowledge for digital marketing and monetization: Badar Khushnood, Digital Marketing & Monetization Expert 

 

ISLAMABAD: Environmental experts and journalists have urged legislators to take decisive measures to safeguard Islamabad's environment, which was once renowned for its abundant greenery and limited urbanisation. They have also emphasised the need for media organisations to dedicate prime time slots to educate masses about climate change and environmental destruction, while climate change concerns must be integrated into the national educational curriculum in order to preserve the natural ecosystem. 

Identifying the Climate Issues

This was the gist of a 3-day Sabz Journalism Fellowship Program (SJFP) in Islamabad organised by the Global Neighbourhood for Media Innovation (GNMI), in collaboration with the State Department, Embassy of United States.

The training, spearheaded by senior environmental journalist Afia Salam, sought to empower mid-career journalists, digital content producers, and filmmakers who are actively involved in reporting on climate-related issues across different media platforms.

Storyboarding & Digital Production (Startup) 

In his introductory address, Director Programs GNMI Husnain Raza said that environmental journalism serves a vital purpose in increasing awareness and influencing public perception regarding important environmental matters. He stated that GNMI’s goal with this training is to provide reporters and content creators with the necessary knowledge and abilities to enhance the coverage of climate-related news in Pakistan.

Participants explored a range of crucial environmental topics during a dynamic three-day training program, covering areas such as understanding the science behind environmental issues, distinguishing between climate and environment, acquiring skills in data-driven and investigative storytelling, mastering digital storytelling techniques, and devising effective strategies for audience engagement. The training incorporated hands-on activities aimed at enhancing participants' production skills, with a focus on integrating environmental perspectives into their reporting practices.

The Sabz Journalism fellows were fortunate to participate in training sessions conducted by well-known experts in the industry. These sessions were facilitated by Talha Ahad, the CEO and founder of The Centrum Media (TCM), a prominent digital news network, and Badar Khushnood, the co-founder of Bramerz and Fishry, successful digital startups in Pakistan.

Participants involved in gaining insights into climate change challenges and methods of reporting 

Dr. Bashir Ahmad, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Water Resources Research and Development (CEWRRD), Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), was one of the esteemed speakers at the training session. Joining him were Zeeshan Mangi, Deputy Chief of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Section at the Ministry of Planning and Development, along with seasoned broadcast journalists Tanzeela Mazhar and Absa Komal. 

A group photo at the end
Photographs credit Sajid 

Through these sessions, the fellows had the privilege of learning from the wealth of knowledge and experience of these experts. They gained valuable insights into the intricacies of digital news startups and effective marketing strategies for enhancing their digital news platforms, particularly in the realm of environmental reporting.

Journalists in Islamabad have noted that the growing urban population is worsening the impacts of climate change, leading to the city's transformation into a concrete jungle. They highlighted that as the city expands, deforestation of the Margala hills and increased construction are leading to higher emissions and diminishing green spaces.

IRAN’S “TRUE PROMISE” VS. U.S “IRONCLAD SUPPORT”: A FAILURE OF INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

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

Iran strikes Israel on Sunday 

Iran's first direct attack on Israeli soil in response to a deadly strike in Damascus has heightened the clandestine war between the two regional foes. Along with Iran's proxies and allies, assaults on Israeli positions were carried out, resulting in blaring sirens in different areas and reports of explosions in the skies above Jerusalem. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned Israel against impulsive retaliation, emphasizing that any such action would prompt a swift and more forceful reaction.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) of Iran carried out a significant retaliatory attack with drones and missiles in response to Operation 'True Promise' against specific locations within Israel. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israel military spokesperson, stated in a televised address that Iran launched over 300 ballistic missiles, drones, and cruise missiles towards Israel, surpassing the initial estimate of over 200 launches.

What we know so far:

· Israel launched an attack on the consular section of Iran's embassy in Damascus on April 1st.

· In response, Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on April 14th, causing at least 12 injuries, including a 7-year-old child.

· The Israeli army reported "minor damage" to an air base during the incident.

· US & UK supported Israel in shooting down most of Iran's attacks.

· Iran has stated that the retaliatory actions have been completed, but warned Israel against any further responses.

· US expressed concerns about the escalation of a crisis in the Middle East.

· The UNSC has scheduled a meeting at Israel's request to address the situation.

· Iran has called in the British, French, and German ambassadors to discuss their perceived double standards.

· Pakistan has urged to exercise utmost restraint in the current circumstances.

The tensions arose following an airstrike on Iran's consular annex in Damascus on April 1st, which led to threats of retaliation from Iran. Despite repeated warnings from Washington regarding imminent reprisals, it remains uncertain how Israel will respond to Iran's aggression. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the importance of staying vigilant, suggesting that the conflict was far from resolved.

Iranian people showing wrath against Israel

US President Joe Biden reaffirmed America's steadfast support for Israel but signalled a preference for diplomatic resolutions over military escalations in the region. The White House expressed a desire to avert further crises in the Middle East, urging all involved parties to show restraint. The Israeli military reported that over 300 drones and missiles were launched towards Israel, resulting in injuries to 12 individuals. Nonetheless, most of the projectiles were intercepted before reaching Israeli territory, thanks to aid from the U.S, Jordan, U.K and other allies.

The international community has called for calm, with the United Nations Security Council set to convene for an emergency session addressing the escalating conflict.

The current situation presents a critical moment for the global community. Instead of coddling Israel, the Western alliance must intervene to stop it from escalating tensions further. Any future military actions by Tel Aviv against Iran could lead to an all-out war, which must be avoided at all costs.

Benjamin Netanyahu shaking hand with Joe Biden

The solution is clear: Israel must immediately halt the violence in Gaza, which is the main cause of the current conflict in the Middle East. Also, Israel must stop targeting other sovereign nations like Iran, Lebanon, and Syria. If the West continues with its aggressive rhetoric, it will only empower Israel and potentially drag the US and Europe into a war with Iran and its allies. It appears that Benjamin Netanyahu may be seeking to shift focus away from the Gaza crisis by provoking a confrontation with Iran, even if it means involving American forces. Skilled diplomacy is crucial at this moment to prevent a catastrophic clash.

Dr. Munawar Hussain, an International Relations expert at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, has identified five significant insights regarding recent events in the Middle East, particularly in response to Iran's recent airstrikes on Israel.

According to Hussain, the recent Iranian airstrikes carried out on Israel have brought to light the vulnerabilities in the deterrence systems of Israel, the U.S, and their allies in the Middle East. These attacks have demonstrated that Iran possesses not only the capability, but also the determination and resolve to challenge and confront its adversaries in the region.

Dr Munawar Hussain, ASC, QAU 

Secondly, it represents a total breakdown in all forms of diplomacy. As the world transitions from a unipolar to a multipolar system, the global order is deteriorating rapidly. Dr. Munawar Hussain expressed his belief that diplomacy at every level has proven to be a complete failure.

Thirdly, the recent increase in tensions represents a glaring and disappointing display of incompetence on the part of the united Nations, which has neglected to denounce Israel's heinous actions in Gaza over the past half-year. However, it is (U.N) quick to express condemnation following Iran's strikes on Israel. The U.N's role is often likened or recokned similar to that of the failed League of Nations, Dr. Munawar said.

Fourthly, the narrative of Western humanism has been effectively silenced and ignored. The unwavering support of the West towards Israel, without any sense of fairness or balance, has resulted in nothing but utter disaster.

And the last but indeed not the least, the failure of international morality is exemplified by the actions of the U.S and its allies, who have unwaveringly supported Israel to the point where I
srael has openly rejected the authority of the United Nations and other international bodies. This blatant disregard for global standards of ethics is both concerning and disheartening.

Dr. Munawar suggested that Pakistan should strengthen strategic partnerships with key countries such as China, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, South Africa, and Iran. While it is important to improve cooperation (working relations) with the U.S , Canada, India, Afghanistan, and other Western nations in order to advance and thrive in the future.

Mahtab Bashir is a journalist and a student of M.Phil, Area Study Centre, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.