MUZAFFARABAD: The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has approved several key academic reforms in its Mass Communication programme, including updated curricula, revised admission criteria for associate degree holders, and a framework for students exiting with associate or BS degrees from earlier sessions.

The decisions were taken at the fifth meeting of the Board of Studies of the Department of Mass Communication, held on Friday with Head of Department Dr Shahida Khalique in the chair.

The meeting gave in-principle approval to a six-point agenda aimed at aligning the department’s academic offerings with contemporary media trends and guidelines issued by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

Among the approved items were programme learning outcomes, a new departmental monogram, and a revised scheme of studies along with updated course outlines for the BS Mass Communication degree.

Reforms include updated curricula, revised admission criteria for associate degree holders

Speaking at the meeting, Dr Khalique said the department was incorporating modern courses to equip students with the practical skills and ethical foundations essential for a rapidly evolving media environment.

“The nature of media has changed dramatically, and with digital platforms overtaking traditional ones, training in media ethics has become indispensable,” she said, adding that students were being trained to promote positive journalism through ethical practice.

Prof Dr Majid Al-Ghaffar, Chairman of the Department of Communication and Media Studies at Hazara University, praised the department’s efforts despite limited resources.

“Inclusion of modern, relevant courses will certainly help students in their careers,” he observed, and assured full cooperation from Hazara University in addressing any challenges faced by the department.

Prof Dr Saqib Riaz, former chairman of the Department of Mass Communication at Allama Iqbal Open University, also endorsed the agenda and stressed the need for collective efforts to improve academic quality across the board.

“The mass communication curriculum across the country must keep pace with the evolving media landscape and societal needs,” he remarked.

Participants from the UAJK includedDean Faculty of Social Sciences Dr Nadeem Haider Bukhari, Registrar Dr Saadat Hanif Dar, and Director, Quality Enhancement Cell Dr Javed Iqbal.

A nominee from the Controller of Examinations Office and Raja Mohammad Sohail, district information officer Muzaffarabad also attended the meeting.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr Ghaffar presented a copy of his bookBroadcast Journalismto the mass communication department faculty members.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2025