ABBOTTABAD, Sept 22: Environment journalists can play a vital role in putting pressure on policy-makers for a sustainable improvement in environmental conditions, a training workshop was told here on Tuesday.

The day long workshop on 'Status of environmental journalism in Pakistan' was organized by the IUCN and PERT (Programme for Environmental Research and Training). It was attended by a large number of journalists attended.

Speakers Dr Imran Hashmi, Nadeem Iqbal and Kausar Naqvi discussed the role of journalists in social and economic development with regard toissues relating to the common man. Stress was laid on the scientific approach on the issues, especially local issues. Tools and techniques, which should be used for the improvement of skills in investigative reporting, were identified.

The speakers suggested that stories must be written in a reader-friendly way. Mr Iqbal said that demand for environment communication would increase and journalists would have to meet the challenge.

District Coordination Officer Ehsan Ali Khan said such workshops and seminars would help improve the efficiency of journalists. Later, certificates were distributed among the participants.