BAHAWALPUR, Jun 16 (APP):The Department of Media and Communication Studies at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) organized a timely and insightful webinar titled “War Conflicts and Ethical and Responsible Journalism.” The event was attended by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamran, who highlighted the critical importance of responsible journalism during times of conflict. Prominent scholars and media experts participated in the session, including Prof. Dr. Rubina Bhatti, Dean of the Faculty of Media Studies; Dr. Malik Muhammad Adnan, Chairman of the Department of Media and Communication Studies; renowned journalist and analyst Sarwar Munir Rao; senior analyst Dr. Farhat Abbas Shah; and Lt. Col. (R) Dr. Asad Mehmood Khan. The webinar was organized by Assistant Professor Dr. Syed Awais Hassan Gilani.
In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamran applauded the department for arranging this significant event amid challenging times. He underscored the vital role of national media in shaping public perception during conflicts, noting that responsible reporting fosters national unity and garners international respect—unlike the misleading coverage often associated with Indian media, which he criticized. He further stressed the need to bolster systems capable of confronting modern technological threats such as artificial intelligence, satellite surveillance, and cyber warfare.
During the discussion, Sarwar Munir Rao reflected on the increasing difficulties faced by journalists in maintaining neutrality during wartime, famously stating, “The first casualty in war is the truth.” He emphasized the importance of considering multiple facets of facts—official, better, and “sweet”—while safeguarding a sense of nationalism. Rao also acknowledged the pressures exerted by government policies but encouraged journalists to adapt their storytelling without compromising the integrity of truth.
Lt. Col. (R) Dr. Asad Mehmood Khan examined the influence of AI and social media in contemporary warfare. He highlighted the ethical responsibilities of journalists when sharing information, especially as drone journalism operates alongside military personnel on the ground, raising critical questions about what to report and what to withhold.
Dr. Farhat Abbas Shah pointed out that complete neutrality in journalism is almost an illusion, emphasizing the importance of faith and conviction in guiding ethical reporting. He advocated for a value-based, analytical approach rooted in social, moral, and religious ethics—including respect for even the enemy’s fallen soldiers. Shah also raised concerns about biases in international media, which are often swayed by national interests rather than objectivity.
Prof. Dr. Rubina Bhatti emphasized that moral compromise begins when media outlets operate under specific agendas. She praised the department for organizing this essential webinar to enhance students’ professional capabilities through interaction with seasoned journalists and experts.
Dr. Awais Hassan Gilani highlighted the challenges faced by Muslims in Western media, where false propaganda frequently labels them as terrorists. He called for strategic countermeasures to combat such misconceptions. Chairman Dr. Malik Muhammad Adnan thanked all the speakers and organizers, appreciating their valuable contributions toward fostering responsible journalism.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members and students, including Associate Professor Dr. Abida Noreen, Dr. Hanan Khan Tareen, Dr. Qamar-ul-Zaman, Dr. Majid Raza, Dr. Shafaq Manzoor, Muhammad Zain Zamir, Agha Sadaf Mehdi, and Maham Shams. The webinar successfully underscored the importance of ethical journalism in conflict zones and prepared future media professionals to face contemporary challenges responsibly.
