GUJRAT - The third workshop for media students ended here at University of Gujrat (UoG) students who were educated on print and electronic media’s current practices and techniques.

The workshop also dealt with the significance and ethics of practising social media. The Centre for Media and Mass Communication Studies (CMCS) held the twin citizen journalism workshops of two-day duration each in collaboration with Pakistan Youth Change Advocates (PYCA). A large number of students participating in the workshop learned a great deal about various facets of practical and investigative journalism and its ethics during the intensive training sessions conducted by Azaz Ahmad Khan and Shakeel Akbar.

Dean Faculty of Arts Dr Fareeshullah Yousufzai in his opening address highlighted the significance of social media which he said had given credence to anyone forming part of its ever-increasing community with no geographical bounds. “No matter what colour is of their skin, what age group and the country they belong to, they are perfect candidates to practise this form of media and become a source of information,” he said.

Director Media Sheikh Abdul Rashid focused on the vital role of media in identifying prevalent social ills and corrupt practices and also suggesting measures for the establishment of a peaceful and modern society.

He advised the students to be more careful while expressing their views on social media. “An honest and responsible practice of journalism reveals all what it takes to affect a positive shift in public opinion, without lending an air of credibility. On the other hand, an immature and careless undertaking will not only pull the plug on your hard-earned reputation and trustworthiness, it may cast a slur on your ethnicity or nation. So, it is always better to keep straight and narrow,” Sheikh Rashid said.

Centre for Languages and Translation Studies (CeLTS) Chairperson Dr Ghulam Ali threw light on the significance of the workshops and seminars and the role of similar other activities for enhancing the intellectual capabilities of students.

CMCS Chairperson Dr Zahid Yousuf said, “Students are the builders of the nation. Their proper academic and intellectual training is one of the prime responsibilities of the universities.” Senior faculty member Sobia Abid moderated the workshop activities, he added.