CHITRAL: A two-day training workshop on “Gender and Disability Sensitive Disaster Reporting” for media professionals concluded at a local hotel here the other day organised by Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) in collaboration with Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan.
The workshop featured comprehensive in-house training sessions alongside a practical field visit to the Bamboret Valley allowing media persons to assess ground conditions and vulnerabilities firsthand.
A large number of journalists and media representatives attended the event representing the Chitral Press Club, Radio Pakistan, Hot FM 97, Suno Radio and various social media platforms and influencers.
Over the course of the two days, participants received detailed briefings on the diverse aspects of media reporting during natural hazards while the sessions placed a particular emphasis on integrating the specific needs, safety and sensitivities of women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) into mainstream disaster journalism.
The training modules also covered core ethical principles, inclusivity and the standard operating procedures (SOPs) required for effective disaster reporting.
The trainers highlighted the critical role of media engagement across all stages of a crisis, specifically before, during and after a disaster, demonstrating how responsible, proactive reporting can substantially mitigate public and economic losses. Engr Altaf Hussain Shah, regional programme manager of AKAH Pakistan, attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest and distributed certificates among the participants.
In his address, Engr Altaf Hussain Shah emphasised that media representatives were the most vital partners for disaster management organiations. He praised the relentless services of local journalists working under incredibly difficult circumstances, noting that the media’s role in public awareness and the timely dissemination of life-saving information is invaluable to the region.
The workshop’s technical sessions were conducted by a team of expert resource persons including Javed Ahmed (manager emergency operations), Fida Hassan (manager training), Mehr Aftab (coordinator communications) and Karishma.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the participating journalists expressed their strong commitment to implementing the newly acquired skills and frameworks during their professional duties in the field.
Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2026
