Media delegation from Maldives departs to Pakistan on training visit

A 10-member media delegation from the Maldives, including broadcasters and editors, departed to Pakistan on Monday, on a training and exposure visit.

According to the Pakistan High Commission, the media representatives will visit Islamabad for eight days, from June 3-10.

The training program will be held at the Information Service Academy in Pakistan’s capital.

The delegation includes Mariyam Waheeda, the president of Maldives Broadcasting Commission, Ahmed Mustafa, the president of Maldives Media Council (MMC), and additional members – Moosa Rasheed, Mohamed Simau and Mohamed Afrah.

The day before they left for Islamabad, the delegates were hosted at the Pakistan High Commission.

At the meeting, Pakistan High Commissioner Vice Admiral (Retired) Muhammad Fayyaz Gilani expressed pleasure in facilitating the visit.

He said that such exchanges are vital in learning best practices, and sharing experiences and developments in relevant fields.

Gilani said the High Commission is also engaged in discussions with the Maldivian government regarding running more initiatives aimed at capacity building.

Addressing the delegates, Gilani said that professional journalism training is more important than ever.

“At a time when fake news, hate speech and other such labels are destroying world’s peace; professional training to the media related practitioners, who are eyes and ears of masses is extremely important. This is also crucial for the credibility and integrity of the media persons,” he said.

Earlier, Deputy High Commissioner Zulqurnain Ahmad welcomed and briefed the delegates about the visit program, and also extended best wishes to them.

Mariyam Waheeda and Mustafa also spoke at the event. They stressed the importance of continuing professional training for broadcasters, journalists and editors, and also extended gratitude to the High Commissioner for providing the opportunity for media personnel to get trained in Islamabad.

According to the Pakistan High Commission, the training at the Information Service Academy will cover a range of topics, including effective media management, code of conduct, ethics, laws, policies and best practices, media reporting and broadcasting, social media impact, fake news and fact checking, data protection, cultural barriers and critical thinking involved in reporting news stories, creative content production, training in developing the professional skills, among others.

The delegates will also have the opportunity to visit various media houses and media-related government institutions, to meet Pakistani media professionals and exchange informationand experiences.

They will also tour popular sites in Pakistan.