The general elections of Pakistan are to be held in this current year 2013. This election is considered to be an important step in shaping up the future of Pakistan. This is for the first that an elected government in Pakistan is going to complete its term. As significant the event is so as its coverage. Throughout upcoming elections, Pakistani media will play an essential role in disseminating fair, balanced and objective news.

Women media Center decided to cater the needs of the reporters and therefore organized a seven-day training workshop on Election Reporting in Islamabad from 28th January to 3rd February. The main objective of this workshop was to provide the participants basic knowledge of election reporting practices.

“Journalists should keep in their minds that their safety comes first while covering elections or any other news. If there is a bomb blast at any site the reporter should be prepared for another one as it might be possible.” Said Fahim Siddique, Anchor person Geo TV.

Similarly, few essential points that female journalists should follow in emergency situations was shared by former journalist of Dunya TV, Nayyar Ali. She mentioned few important techniques of reporting to follow while covering any crucial event.

Meanwhile, a senior journalist from Waqt TV, Mr. Mattiullah Jan, said, “The character assassination of the candidate should not be done by the reporters before election. Let the people judge the candidate and make their decision of voting.”

A detailed discussion on the manifesto of political parties, its candidates and campaigns was discussed by a political analyst and executive director, CCE Mr. Zafarullah Khan. He presented a presentation on “Road to Election” in which he talked about the history of the election of Pakistan and also shared his opinion and solutions to the problem faced by the people of Pakistan up till now.

“Today, almost all political parties are using social media as a tool in election. They are promoting their party’s manifesto and candidates through social media”. Said Jan Achakzai, Former Producer BBC, International and National Analyst. He further added, “MQM is the most organized political party and PPP is the most famous political party on social media”.

In the showcase ceremony, the chief guest Mehreen Anwer Raja MNA PPP appreciated the effort of WMC and said “ The females are not provided with a level playing field and they have to work hard not only in the field of journalism but also in every other profession”. She further said, “Such workshops are very helpful in empowering women in the field of media”. Special guest of the event, Noreen Ibrahim, Representative from PTI’s Women Wing commended efforts made by WMC and said “Such training workshops help women in media to improve their professional skills.” At conclusion of the event, Mehreen Anwer Raja and Noreen Ibrahim distributed the certificates to the participants of the workshop.