LAHORE: The first convocation of the Punjab University Institute of Communication Studies (PUICS) was held here on Saturday.

Two hundred and forty nine students of various programmes were awarded degrees. They included 33 students of BS (Hons), 49 of MSc Communication Studies (morning), 59 MSc Communication Studies (replica), 89 MSc Development Journalism and 18 students of MSc Film and TV.

Thirty-nine medals were also distributed among the shining students.

For the first time in the country’s history, media graduates took oath to abide by journalistic values and ethics.

The oath reads: “I take oath that I will always abide by the journalistic principles, professional ethics and promote truth, and that I will defend human rights and the Constitution of Pakistan in a highly responsible manner, and that I will never indulge in one-sided propaganda and blackmailing, and I will always use my pen as per the journalistic ethics keeping in my mind the sanctity of words”.

Speaking on the occasion, PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran said the media had power to present truth as false or otherwise. Giving an example of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting incident in the United States, he said it was a mock exercise by security forces and was presented by the media as a terror attack in which news of death of students was also broadcast.

Writer Jim Fetzer in his book ‘No Body Died in the Sandy Hook’ revealed the truth.

“As the media’s role cannot be denied in this era every journalist must do responsible journalism,” Prof Kamran said.

ICS Director Dr Noshina Saleem presented the welcome address saying being the first seat of journalism education in South Asia, several politicians and journalists had the honour of studying in the department since its inception.

“Today our students are performing outstandingly in every field of life. Those passing out today are shining stars of the future.”

Many professional journalists also received their degrees and medals in the ceremony.

Dean Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences Dr Zakaria Zakir and PU Controller Examinations Dr Shahid Munir also spoke.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2016