| 2009: Year of Terrorism |
 |
 KARACHI: Pakistan is at war, and this time the war is not at its borders with an enemy country. This war is with its own people and within its own territory. Some call it America’s war whereas the government and the army call it ‘Pakistan’s own war’. This war has plagued Pakistan's provinces of North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Balochistan, and Punjab with violence between militants and government security forces as well as terrorist activities against innocent civilians. Though, the nature of these violent incidents and terrorist attacks seem similar all over the country, the causes of the conflicts vary in different regions. In NWFP, the worst hit province in terms of terrorism, Operation Rah-e-Rast against pro-Taliban groups displaced hundreds of thousands of people in April and May 2009. The operation wrapped up on July 7, 2009 with 1,600 extremists killed and 158 soldiers martyred. During the operation, around 300,000 people of Swat took refuge in camps or with relatives. Not only displacement, residents of the province also bear the brunt of the terrorist attacks in the country. Around 87 such incidents took place in the province, including suicide attacks, hand grenade attacks, rocket and mortar attacks and blasts with remote control devices. At least 824 people, including 228 security officials of different organizations and grades, were killed in attacks during the year. Attack on shrine of a 17th century Sufi poet - Rehman Baba - in the Akhund Baba graveyard of Peshawar to discourage ‘shrine culture’ shocked the nation. A letter delivered to the management of the mausoleum three days before the attack had warned against its promotion of ‘shrine culture’. In Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and poorest province, tribal militants are engaged in a long-running, low-level insurgency to gain greater control of the region's natural resources and political power. Analysts say Afghan Taliban groups are also using Baluchistan as a base. Most of the 37 terrorist acts reported from the province were incidents of sectarian violence. Around 66 people, including 11 security officials, were killed in the terrorist attacks. Those killed include 3 academicians, 1 cardiologist, Balochistan Chief Mines Inspector, Balochistan Education Minister, Vice President of Jamhoori Watan Party, Chairman of Hazara Democratic Party, leader of Fiqah Jafria, and leader of Jammat Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat Noorani. Some of the militant violence has spilled into other parts of Pakistan, with suicide and armed attacks on troops and the country's main cities. In Punjab, 315 people were killed in 20 terrorist attacks. Those killed include 62 security officials. The worst terrorist incidents were suicide attacks at Moon Market, Lahore and Paradeline mosque, Rawalpindi. More than 85 people were killed in the two attacks. Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, didn’t remain safe from the terror wave and 28 people were killed in 10 terrorist attacks. Some of the important incidents include suicide attack at UN World Food Program (WFP) office and suicide attack at International Islamic University, Islamabad. Sindh remained relatively safe in the year 2009. Around 13 people were killed in 14 terrorist activities. Majority of these attacks were target killings or shooting incidents, which apparently had sectarian motives behind them. Following is a time line of major terrorist attacks in all four provinces of the country. Terrorist Attacks in NWFP • January 4: A suicide bomber was killed while two people sustained injuries near a check-post in Officers’ Colony in Bannu. The suicide bomber blew himself up in an attempt to target a check-post but could not succeed as the bomb exploded before he could reach his target. • January 4: Ten persons, including 4 policemen, were killed and 27 others injured in two bomb blasts near the Polytechnic College in Dera Ismail Khan. • January 17: In the first incident of its kind in Peshawar, religious scholar Pir Hafiz Rafeeullah, who was kidnapped on January 16, was reportedly slaughtered and his decapitated body was found in the Matani area of the capital on the morning of January 17. • January 20: Four policemen and 4 civilians were injured when a police patrol van was hit by a roadside bomb on Ring Road in the Hazarkhwani area of Peshawar. • January 23: Two SF personnel were killed in a car suicide attack near Mingora town in the Swat District of NWFP. • January 26: At least 5 people have been killed and several wounded in a bomb blast in Dera Ismail Khan. The bomb, attached to a bicycle, went off on a busy main road. • February 3: One man was killed and 18 others injured in a hand grenade attack on a Sunni mosque at Mohallah Joginwala in Dera Ismail Khan district. • February 5: A suicide attacker detonated an explosive-laden car near a police station in the Mingora town of Swat District, injuring a dozen officers and destroying part of the building. • February 9: At least 18 FC personnel were injured in amini-truck suicide attack on the Baran Pul check-post of the Frontier Reserve Police (FRP) in the jurisdiction of Bakkakhel police station in Bannu District. • February 11: Alamzeb Khan, a Member of Provincial Assembly from the ruling Awami National Party (ANP), was killed and 7 others were injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast in Momin Town in Peshawar. • February 17: Five people were killed and 17 injured in a car bomb blast outside the Hujra (male guest house) of the union council chief in Bazidkhel village of Peshawar. • February 20: At least 32 persons were killed and 145 others injured when a suicide bomber exploded himself in the funeral procession of a slain employee of the Tehsil Municipal Administration near the busy Shubra Square in Dera Ismail Khan. • February 23: A police guard was killed when he flung himself onto a suicide bomber to prevent him from entering a compound in Bannu. The attacker was trying to enter the compound, where judges and senior police officials live and work, when the guard intercepted him. Two other police guards were wounded in the attack. • March 5: One person was killed and 19 others sustained injuries when a hand-grenade hurled by unidentified miscreants at worshippers exploded in Ameer Hamza mosque in Dera Ismail Khan. • March 5: Suspected Taliban militants blew an ancient shrine of a 17th century Sufi poet - Rehman Baba - in the Akhund Baba graveyard of Peshawar. A letter delivered three days before the attack to the management of the mausoleum had warned against its promotion of ‘shrine culture’. • March 7: Eight persons, including five policemen, two Frontier Corps personnel and a civilian, were killed in a remote-controlled car bombing at Mashugagr village in Peshawar. Some villagers also sustained minor injuries. • March 11: The NWFP Senior Minister and Awami National Party leader Bashir Ahmad Bilour survived an assassination attempt that left six persons, including two suspected suicide attackers, dead in Namak Mandi in Peshawar. Four persons, including a young girl, were wounded in the firing, grenade attack and suicide blast. • March 18: Five people including three policemen were killed and four injured when over 100 unidentified armed men attacked a police vehicle at the entrance of the University of Malakand at Chakdara in Lower Dir District. • March 30: Seven persons, including 5 Army soldiers, were killed and 9 others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into a military convoy near a filling station on the Bannu-Miranshah Road. • April 5: Police found bullet-riddled bodies of four local aid workers, including three women, in Shinkiari area of Mansehra District. • April 15: At least 18 persons, including nine policemen, were killed and five others injured when a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the Harichand Police Post in Charsadda District. • April 18: At least 27 SF personnel were killed and 55 others injured in a suicide attack on a security check post in the Doaba area of Hangu District. • April 26: 12 children were killed after playing with a bomb that resembled a football. The children died after the toy-like-bomb exploded in Lower Dir District. • May 1: The ISPR spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said two Frontier Corps personnel were killed when a suicide bomber blew up a booby-trapped house in the Buner District. • May 4: A suicide car bomber killed 4 SF personnel and wounded 8 persons in the outskirts of Peshawar. • May 5: Seven people, including 2 children and a Frontier Corps soldier, were killed and 48 others sustained injuries when an explosives-laden car rammed into a pick-up near a check-post on the Bara road near Peshawar. • May 11: At least 10 people died and 27 were injured as a suicide bomber blew up his explosives-laden vehicle near a Frontier Corps check post in the outskirts of Darra Adam Khel. • May 16: Two handicapped children and 2 of their teachers were among 11 people killed in a car bomb blast at congested City Circular Road, Peshawar. At least 33 people were injured. • May 16: Six people, including two women and two children, sustained minor injuries when a low-intensity explosive device went off in a busy market in Peshawar. • May 22: At least 10 people were killed and 65 others were injured when a powerful car bomb exploded near the Tasveer Mahal Cinema hall in the busy Kabuli Chowk area. • May 28: Three policemen were killed and 9 others injured in a suicide attack on a police vehicle at the Sra Khawra security post on the Kohat road in the jurisdiction of Matani Police station on the outskirts of Peshawar. • May 28: A policeman and 2 passers-by were killed and 13 people wounded when a suicide attacker exploded an auto-rickshaw near a police checkpoint in Dera Ismail Khan. • June 5: A suicide bomber killed 49 worshippers, including 12 children, at a mosque in a remote village of the Dir Upper District. Dozens more were injured in the blast just before Friday congregation in the Hayagay Sharqi village. • June 7: One non-commissioned officer was killed and five others were injured in an attack on security forces' convoy transporting TNSM deputy chief Maulana Alam and spokesman Amir Izaat to Peshawar, the NWFP capital. Both leaders of banned outfits were also killed in the attack. • June 9: A massive truck suicide attack at the five-star Pearl Continental hotel in Peshawar killed 17 persons and injured 60 others. • June 11: A man was killed and 13 others, including 9 policemen, sustained injuries in a hand grenade-cum-suicide attack on a police party in the Lateefabad area on Ring Road in Peshawar. • June 11: NWFP Minister for Prisons Mian Nisar Gul Kakakhel was seriously injured and his two guards were killed when his convoy was ambushed by suspected militants in Darra Adam Khel. • June 12: Five worshippers were killed and 105 others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden van into a mosque during the Friday prayers in the Cantonment area of Nowshera. Two soldiers were among the four persons killed on the spot while most of the 105 wounded were reportedly Army personnel. • June 14: Nine people were killed and over 40 injured when a powerful explosion ripped through a busy market in Dera Ismail Khan. • June 22: Two policemen were killed and 7 people, including 3 policemen, sustained injuries when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the Thakot Police check-post in Battagram District. • June 24: Three policemen, including an officer, were killed when some miscreants fired rockets and mortar shells at the Arbab Tapu check-post in the jurisdiction of Matani Police Station. • July 2: Two policemen were killed and an equal number of people sustained injuries when Taliban targeted a police vehicle with a remote-controlled device in Peshawar. • July 9: A Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) employee was killed and three injured when Taliban militants blew up an electricity pylon using a remote-controlled device in Merra Suraizai Payan village on the outskirts of the provincial capital Peshawar. • July 15: Two people, including an official of the UNHCR, were killed and another injured when suspected Taliban militants attempted to abduct UN officials at the Katcha Ghari Refugee Camp in Nasir Bagh. • July 15: Two children were injured in a rocket attack. Taliban militants fired three rockets from an unidentified location into the city at about 12:30pm, and one of them hit a house in Sethi Town, injuring a 13-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy. • July 20: Suspected militants of the Mangal Bagh group killed four policemen in an ambush on the outskirts of Peshawar. • August 2: In the southern Mashogagar village, terrorists killed a prayer leader Qari Roohul Amin of Sulemankhel, who had been abducted on June 29, and placed three kilograms of explosives with his body to trigger it with a remote control device in the hope that policemen would come close to it. Officials of the bomb disposal squad, however, defused the explosives without any damage. • August 2: Militants shot dead two policemen in Paharipura. A squad of the Paharipura Police Station was ambushed by unknown gunmen in Islamabad town of Peshawar around 2:30 am while patrolling the streets. • August 10: Militants fired rockets at a paramilitary checkpoint in Peshawar, killing two civilians. The pre-dawn rocket attack targeted a Frontier Corps base in the city's Hayatabad neighborhood. • August 16: A soldier was killed and three others sustained injuries in a suicide attack near a SFs checkpoint in the Swat District. • August 17: Seven people were killed and eight others injured when a bomb placed in a vehicle exploded at a filling station in the Shabqadar area in Charsadda. • August 18: Suspected militants beheaded a man kidnapped from the Matani area on August 12. Kabir Hussain, who had come from the US and was kidnapped on his way from Peshawar airport to his village Dabori in Kohat District. • August 22: Two persons were killed and three others injured in a suicide blast in Hayatabad area. The blast occurred in sector N-I Phase IV of the area near the Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC). • August 23: Three persons were killed and 15 others sustained injuries in a powerful suicide blast close to the house of the slain AI spokesman, Mobin Afridi, in the Momin Town area of Peshawar • August 30: At least 16 police recruits were killed and 11 others sustained injuries after a suicide bomber detonated explosives strapped to his body at the Mingora Police Station. • September 4: Suspected militants shot dead two FC troopers in Nasir Bagh suburbs of Peshawar early in the morning while they were patrolling the area. • September 12: Two policemen were injured in a suicide blast near Doaba Police Station in the Hangu District. • September 18: At least 33 people were killed and more than 50 injured in a suicide car blast in Kohat District. • September 26: Two suicide attackers separately rammed their explosives-laden vehicles into a Police station in Bannu and a military-owned commercial bank in Peshawar cantonment area, killing at least 27 people and injuring around another 200. • September 28: At least four persons, including a prominent anti-Taliban cleric, were killed when a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden vehicle into a car at Bannu. • October 6: A woman, a minor girl and a boy sustained injuries when a rocket hit a house in Miskeenabad under the jurisdiction of Bhanamari Police Station, Peshawar at around 2 am. • October 9: At least 56 persons, including a woman and seven children, were killed and 112 others were injured when a suicide attacker detonated his explosives-laden car at the crowded Soekarno Chowk in Khyber Bazaar in Peshawar. • October 12: At least 47 persons, including 9 security officials, were killed and 45 others were injured in a suicide attack on a military convoy in the Alpuri area of Shangla District, NWFP. • October 15: At least 11 persons, including 3 policemen, were killed and 22 others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the building of the Saddar Police Station located in the military area of Kohat. • October 15: An eight-year-old boy, identified as Hamza, was killed and 12 persons, including two policemen, were wounded when a powerful bomb exploded in a three-storey building in the officers’ colony of provincial capital Peshawar. • October 16: At least 12 persons, including three policemen, were killed and 24 others sustained injuries after a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden vehicle into the CIA’s Special Investigation Unit in Peshawar. • October 23: At least 15 people were injured in a bombing outside a restaurant in the Hayatabad area. The bomb was planted in a car. • October 28: A remote-controlled car bomb killed 117 people – including women and children – and injured around 200 others at the Meena Bazaar in Peshawar. • November 8: At least 18 people, including a local councillor heading an anti-Taliban Lashkar (militia), were killed and 44 others injured when a suicide bomber blew him up in a cattle market at Adezai village, 25 km south of the capital city of Peshawar. • November 9: Three persons, including a policeman, were killed and 5 others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber riding an auto-rickshaw blew himself up at a police barricade on the Ring Road in the Latifabad area of Peshawar • November 10: Suicide car bomb blast at Farooq-e-Azam Chowk, Charsadda. Thirty two people were killed and 80 were injured in the incident. • November 12: Syed Abul Hassan Jaffry, media manager of the Iranian consulate in Peshawar, was shot dead near his home in Gulbarg. Jaffry was going to his office when he was shot at point-blank range as he turned his car towards the Swati Phatak. • November 13: At least 17 people, including 10 military personnel, were killed and 60 injured when a suicide bomber on an explosive-laden Shehzore truck detonated the explosive material in front of the regional headquarters of the ISI in Peshawar • November 13: Twelve people, including 5 security officials, were killed and 26 injured in a suicide attack at a Police Station in the Bannu town of Bannu District. • November 14: At least 12 persons, including a policeman and a three-year-old child, were killed and another 35 injured when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-laden vehicle at police check post in Pashta Kharra Chowk, Peshawar. • November 16: Four persons were killed and more than 30 others sustained injuries in a suicide car bombing which targeted the Badhber Police Station on the Kohat Road near Peshawar. • November 19: At least 20 people, including three policemen, were killed and 50 others injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the main gate of the Judicial Complex on Khyber Road in Peshawar. • November 19: A bomb attack on the police van ripped through the vehicle, killing two policemen on the spot and wounding five civilians on the outskirts of Peshawar. • November 25: The cleaner of an oil tanker, used for NATO forces in Afghanistan, was killed and its driver injured when unidentified gunmen attacked the vehicle on the Ring Road near Tor Baba. • November 26: A remote-controlled bomb blast injured three people, including two policemen and a young girl, and destroyed an electricity pylon in Bashirabad area. • November 30: Two police officials were injured when unidentified armed men attacked their vehicle on the Indus Highway, police said. • December 1: A leading politician, Shamsher Ali Khan, was reportedly killed when a suicide bomber targeted a guest house where he was present. Another 8 people, including his brother, were injured in this attack. • December 3: A police official was injured in an explosion at a police check-post in the Ragai area of capital Peshawar. • December 5: At least four people, including a women, were killed and 12 people were injured in a car bomb explosion at United Plaza, Tehkal Market, University Road, Peshawar. • December 7: At least 12 people, including 2 policemen, were killed and 50 were injured in a suicide attack outside a court in Peshawar. • December 22: A suicide bomber blew himself at the gate of the Peshawar Press Club, killing 3 persons including a policeman, and injuring 17 others. December 24: At least 5 people, including a policeman, were killed and 24 were injured in a suicide attack near State Life Building, Saddar, Mall Road, Peshawar. Terrorist attack in Balochistan • January 4: Armed men killed a trooper of the Balochistan Constabulary, identified as Abdul Hakeem, in the Shallkot area of Quetta. The attack appeared to be a targeted killing. • January 5: Unidentified assailants killed two Shias on Kirani Road, Quetta, despite tight security arrangements due to Muharram. • January 10: Unidentified men killed a central leader of the Fiqah Jafferia along with his guard in Sibi District. • January 14: Unidentified assailants killed four policemen, including a DSP in a shootout on Siryab Road. Three of the murdered policemen belonged to Hazara community and were Shia. • January 26: Hussain Ali Yousafi, chairman of the Hazara Democratic Party, was shot dead by Lashkar-e-Jhangvi in the southwestern city of Quetta. • February 2: John Solecki, head of the UN High Commission for Refugees office in Quetta, was kidnapped and his driver was killed after his vehicle was ambushed in Quetta. • February 2: Unidentified gunmen killed a Shia trader in Quetta in an attack apparently linked to the recent cycle of sectarian killings in the provincial capital. • February 18: In a suspected sectarian incident, unidentified men killed the Jamaat Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat-Noorani provincial leader Maulana Iftikhar Ahmed Habibi in Quetta. • February 24: A Shia trader and three of his sons were shot dead in an apparent sectarian attack on Sariab Road, Quetta. • March 1: In an apparent act of sectarian violence in Quetta, unidentified men murdered a man and his son, both from the Shia sect. The motorcycle borne attackers opened fire on the victims at their shop on Quetta’s Double Road. • March 2: Six people were killed and 12 others, mostly students, sustained injuries in a suicide attack on a madrassa (seminary) in Kili Karbala in the Pishin District. The Jamaat-Ulema-i-Islam (Fazlur Rehman faction JUI-F) provincial chief Maulana Muhammad Khan Shirani, the Balochistan Assembly Deputy Speaker Syed Matiullah Agha and provincial ministers belonging to the party were attending a ceremony at the seminary when a 15-year-old boy blew himself up in front of the stage. However, all the JUI-F leadership escaped unhurt. • March 3: Five Shias were killed in Quetta when unidentified assailants attacked members of a family in the city. • March 9: Unidentified men on a motorbike killed two Shias in an apparent sectarian attack in Quetta. The victims were shot in their car on Kirani road, on the outskirts of the Balochistan capital. • April 22: Unidentified militants threw a hand grenade at policemen deployed on the outskirts of Quetta, injuring four policemen and a passerby. Police personnel were on duty in the Hazar Ganji area. • May 3: Unidentified assailants shot dead two policemen on the Arbab Karam Khan Road. • May 28: At least five persons, including a woman, were killed when unidentified attackers opened indiscriminate fire on a customer service centre on Kalat Street, Jail Road, Quetta. • June 22: Three Shias, including a union council chief, were killed in Quetta by unidentified men in a suspected sectarian incident. Unidentified armed men reportedly opened fire on Talib Agha, Union Council 47 chief in Quetta, when he was on his way home along with his driver and security guard. • June 23: The principal of the Government Commerce College was shot dead by two motorcycle borne assailants in a suspected sectarian incident in Quetta. • July 23: Haji Mohammad Mohsin, principal of the Government High School in Sariab Mills, was going to school when armed men riding a motorcycle opened fire on him, killing him on the spot. • July 24:Unidentified assailants shot dead a Professor of the Government Degree College on the Sariab Road. • July 29: A woman was killed and six persons, including two SF personnel, were injured in a grenade attack on a check-post of the Frontier Corps (FC) in the Sairab Road area. • June 30: Four people were killed and 11 wounded when a bomber targeted a hotel in Kalat in the first-ever suicide attack in Balochistan. The attack in Kalat District appeared to be aimed at disrupting supplies to NATO forces in Afghanistan. • July 31: Two SF personnel were killed while three others sustained injuries when unidentified miscreants lobbed a hand grenade at a security vehicle on the Spiny Road area. • August 12: Two persons were killed and six others sustained injuries in a bomb blast and firing incident in the Irrigation Colony area on Sariab Road, Quetta. August 17: Cardiologist Dr Abid Iqbal Zaidi was shot dead by unidentified armed men on the Fatima Jinnah Road. • August 17: A man and his two sons were shot dead by unidentified armed men on Sirki Road. • September 5: Unidentified militants hurled two hand grenades on the City Police Station building, injuring 21 persons including six policemen. • September 8: Suspected Taliban militants set ablaze eight oil tankers near the Western Bypass, when the tankers were carrying fuel for NATO forces in Afghanistan. • October 8: Three police officials were injured in a bomb blast at the Spiny Road. The blast took place near a police van which was on a routine patrol on the road. • October 12: Unidentified armed men killed the Balochistan Chief Mines Inspector on Sariab Road in Quetta. Ashraf Ali was a member of the Shia Hazara community. • October 13: In another incident of target-killing, the Jamhoori Watan Party Vice-President, Muhammad Aslam Mirza, and his driver were shot dead by unidentified armed men in the Shalkot area. • October 15: Two persons, including a Frontier Corps trooper, were killed and five others injured in terrorist attacks in Quetta • October 23: Unidentified gunmen killed an official of the intelligence Bureau (IB), Tanveer Raza, while he was walking on Zargoon Road near the office of the Railways divisional superintendent. • October 25: Unidentified gunmen killed the Balochistan Education Minister Shafiq Ahmed Khan, a member of the Pakistan People’s Party, outside his residence on Thogai Road, while his brother’s father-in-law, Hydayat Jaffar, was injured in the same attack. • November 7: 13 people, including two children and a trooper, were injured when a hand grenade exploded at a Frontier Corps checkpost near Meezan Chowk. • November 17: DIG Police (Operations) Shahid Nizam Durrani and his driver were injured in a bomb blast on Spiny Road. Eight persons, mainly policemen, were injured in the blast. • November 23: Two policemen were shot dead in Quetta in what appeared to be a case of target killing. The policemen, Sardar Muhammad Samalani and Syed Amir Muhammad Khilji, were on routine patrol on Qambrani Road when unidentified assailants opened fire at them, police said. • December 7: A car bomb blast injured nine persons and damaged several vehicles and shops at the main gate of the Junior Assistant Colony in the Chaman Housing Society, Quetta. • December 8: The Saryab station house officer and two other policemen were injured in a hand-grenade attack on a police convoy on the Sabzal Road in Quetta of Balochistan. Terrorist Attack in Punjab • February 5: At least 32 persons were killed and 48 others wounded when a suspected suicide bomber blew himself amidst a crowd of Shia worshippers outside a mosque in Dera Ghazi Khan. • February 7: At least 7 officers were killed in an ambush attack on a checkpoint in Mianwali in Punjab. • March 3: A convoy carrying Sri Lankan cricketers and officials in two buses was fired upon by 12 gunmen, near the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The cricketers were on their way to play the third day of the second Test against the Pakistani cricket team. Six members of the Sri Lankan cricket team were injured. Six Pakistani policemen and two civilians were killed. • March 16: At least 15 people were killed and 25 injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up near a busy bus stand at Pirwadhai in Rawalpindi. • March 30: Nine people, including 8 police recruits and a civilian, were killed and 93 cadets and civilians were injured when about 10 terrorists attacked the Manawan Police Training School in Lahore with guns and grenades. • April 05: A suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance of an Imambargah at Chakwal in Punjab province, killing 24 people, including three children, and injuring 140 others. • May 27: At least 27 people were killed and 326 were injured in a suicide car bomb blast near offices of the capital city police officer (CCPO) and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in Lahore. An ISI colonel and 15 police officials were among those killed. • June 12: Seven persons, including a prominent anti-Taliban cleric Sarfaraz Naeemi, were killed and seven injured when a suicide attacker detonated himself at the Jamia Naeemia madrassa (seminary) in the Garhi Shahu area shortly after Friday prayers. • July 2: At least 7 people were killed and 36 persons were injured when a young suicide bomber rammed his motorcycle into a bus carrying employees of the Army-run Heavy Mechanical Complex at the Peshawar Road near Chur Chowk in Rawalpindi. • August 20: Eight people, including 4 policemen, were injured when a bomb exploded close to a police patrol car on the Misryal road in Rawalpindi. • September 6: Three policemen were shot dead in Hasan Abdal in apparent act of targeted killing. • October 10: At least 14 people, including six soldiers, five SSG commandos, three hostages, were killed in an attack on Pakistan Army General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. • October 15: At least 19 people, including 14 security officials, were killed and 41 others sustained injuries in three separate terror attacks in Lahore. The attacks were carried out at the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) building on the Temple Road, the Manawan Police Training School and the Elite Police Academy on the Bedian Road. • October 23: Eight persons were killed and 17 others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber exploded himself at a police check-post on the GT Road near the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in Kamra in the Attock District. • October 24: A Motorway police official was killed when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-laden car near Lillah Interchange close to Kalar Kahar. • November 2: At least 35 persons, including two women and children, were killed and 63 others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a branch of the National Bank of Pakistan in Rawalpindi. • December 4: At least 42 people were killed and 77 people were injured in firing and two suicide blasts at Parade Lane Mosque, near the Pakistani army's headquarters in Rawalpindi. • December 7: Two bomb blasts killed at least 45 people, and injured more than 100 at the crowded Moon Market in Allama Iqbal area of Lahore in Punjab. The two bombs exploded 30 seconds apart at 8:45 PM (PST). • December 8: A group of three Taliban militants launched a gun, rocket and suicide attack on the office of ISI, killing at least 12 people and injuring 18people in Multan, Punjab. Terrorist Attacks in Islamabad • March 23: A policemen was killed and 2 policemen were injured in a suicide bomb blast at the entrance of the headquarters of the Special Branch (SB), an intelligence agency of the Federal Capital Police, in Sitara Market. • April 04: Eight Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel were killed, and seven others injured, when a suicide bomber blew himself up at an FC check post on the Margala Road in Islamabad. • June 6: Two policemen were killed and four others injured in a suicide attack on a Rescue 15 office at Sector G-8 in capital Islamabad. • September 2: Religious Affairs Minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi was injured in a brazen attack in Islamabad while his driver and a police guard were killed. • October 5: A suicide bomber targeted the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) office in Islamabad, killing five persons, including a UN diplomat and two women employees. Six other staff members were injured. • October 20: Two suicide bombers targeted the new campus of the International Islamic University Islamabad in the H-10 sector of Islamabad, killing at least six students and staff members, including two female students, and injuring more than 29 others. • October 22: A serving Army brigadier, Moinuddin Ahmad, and his driver were gunned down in Islamabad. • October 27: A military officer, Brigadier Waqar Ahmad, escaped death as two gunmen riding a motorbike attacked his car. • November 6: Gunmen opened fire on an army brigadier vehicle in Islamabad. Brigadier Sohail and his driver were injured in the incident. • December 2: An official of the Pakistan Navy foiled a suicide attack on the Naval Headquarters at Zafar Chowk on the Margalla Road in the national capital Islamabad. However, two Navy personnel were killed in the attack, while 13 persons were injured. Terrorist Attacks in Sindh • January 20: In a suspected sectarian incident, unidentified gunmen shot dead a shop owner from the Ahmadiyya community outside his house in the Kotri District of Sindh province. • February 1: An explosion in the Saddar Town of Karachi killed one person and injured two others. One unidentified man - who fidgeted with the bomb planted in a garbage dump, which caused the explosion - died and two others sustained injuries. • April 15: A 28-year-old sectarian worker-turned-lawyer was shot dead near Hamdard Dawakhana off the arterial M.A. Jinnah Road in Karachi. Mazharul Islam, was a former member of the banned Sunni outfit SSP. • May 22: Four persons were injured in a cross-fire between two groups after pro-Taliban slogans were found painted on the walls of a church in Surjani Town, Karachi. • May 24: A senior activist of the banned SSP was shot dead in a target killing. 40-year old Allauddin was the Lines Area Unit in-charge of the banned Sunni outfit, and had earlier worked for the LeJ. • May 27: Another activist of the banned Sunni outfit SSP was shot dead while his son Sufian was injured by two gunmen near a Tandur in Gulshan-e-Iqbal in the Aziz Bhatti Police limits of Karachi. • June 5: Mir Yaqub Bizenjo, legislator from Balochistan, three of his relatives and a servant were injured after a parcel bomb exploded in his Defence Society house in Karachi. • July 15: Unidentified men killed the central legal adviser of the outlawed Sunni group, the SSP, Hafiz Ahmed Buksh, in Model Colony in Karachi. • July 16: Two more activists of the outlawed SSP, including a guard of the group’s central leader Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Nadeem, were killed in Karachi. One of them died at a hospital after being injured in the clash a day earlier while another’s body was recovered from Model Colony. • August 17: Armed men shot dead Allama Ali Sher Hyderi, chief of the banned SSP, along with his associate Imtiaz Phulpoto at Khairpur in the Sindh province. • September 18: At least three persons sustained bullet injuries during a sectarian clash, which erupted at Iftar time in the precincts of Soldier Bazaar Police Station at Karachi in Sindh. The clash took place between the Shia community and the people belonging to the Deobandi school of thought over the use of loudspeaker during Iftar. • November 19: Ghulam Muhammad Waezi, a Shia clericm was shot dead in the Orangi Town area of Karachi, within the jurisdiction of Tori Bungash Police Station. • November 20: In a suspected sectarian incident, the general secretary of the banned Sunni outfit SSP Karachi chapter, Engineer Ilyas Zubair, was shot dead and provincial information secretary, Qari Shafiqur Rehman Alvi, wounded at Teen Hatti under the Jamshed Quarters Police Station jurisdiction in Karachi. • December 7: The leader of Pasban-e-Aza, a Shia organization was shot dead by unidentified militants in a suspected sectarian attack in the remit of the Brigade Police Station of Karachi. The slain leader was identified as Syed Shahid Hussain. (Data for this report was compiled with the help of news reports on SAMAA website, other media sources, agencies report and South Asian Terrorism Portal) |
Sunday, December 27, 2009
.:: SAMAA - 2009: Year of Terrorism
.:: SAMAA - 2009: Year of Terrorism
Sunday, November 1, 2009
HEC and SAMAA 'Cultivating Hope' against terrorism
HEC, SAMAA 'Cultivating Hope' against terrorism
| HEC, SAMAA 'Cultivating Hope' against terrorism |
| Upadated on: 29 Oct 09 02:12 PM |
 |
 Staff Repor ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and SAMAA Television signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday for launching an educational program entitled “Cultivating Hope”, which aims to empower youth in creating, debating and finding solutions to the increasing extremism in Pakistan. One of the key activities of the program is an Inter-University Documentary Competition across Pakistan. Prof. Dr. Sohail Naqvi, Executive Director, HEC and Mr. Amir Jahangir, CEO, SAMAA TV signed the MoU. Dr. Javaid R. Laghari, Chairman HEC, Syed Kamal Shah, Former Federal Secretary Interior, executive members of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and other senior officials of both the organizations were also present at the ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Javaid R. Laghari, the Chairman HEC congratulated SAMAA TV for launching a much-needed initiative for the youth of Pakistan. “This program will help eradicate the menace of extremism from society and hopefully other media organizations will follow suit.” Dr. Sohail Naqvi said, “The entire nation, especially educated people, must join hands to take our country out of this worst crisis. It is high time to think about the factors that have led to extreme behavior. An educated youth will help address this crucial element which has become a serious challenge for the nation. This program will provide a platform to the university students to research the causes of extremism and put forward suggestions for solving the problem.” Mr. Amir Jahangir said, “This partnership with HEC aims at engaging the Pakistani youth at a national level on a vital subject of “extremism in Pakistan”, which is now of crucial national importance. The current socio-political situation of Pakistan immediately calls for innovative measures to not only control the increasing extremism but to build an environment, where the awareness of such extreme acts, its impact on the life of the public and the development of the nation will play an eminent role in changing the mindsets of those who are unfortunate to be involved in such evil acts.” “This program focus on empowering the youth to look into the measures, impact and results of extremism, which will only strengthen their minds to not only take distance to such thinking and behavior but to also play a role in educating their peers and surroundings on the horror of terrorism. The Cultivating Hope initiative will also promote the visual and liberal arts in the country’s education sphere as a form of creative expression and ideas”, said CEO, SAMAA TV. Mr. Jahangir said that the program also includes outreach activities with the universities across Pakistan, where SAMAA TV will arrange lecturers on extremism by prominent scholars and youth role models. He specially acknowledged Mr. Syed Kamal Shah, Former Federal Secretary Interior for encouraging SAMAA TV to develop this concept and empower the youth. The event was witnessed by universities across Pakistan through the facility of video conferencing. This initiative will provide over 600,000 students from 128 universities from all over Pakistan the opportunity to participate in the competition. According to the partnership, the top three winners of the documentary competition will be awarded prizes amounting to Rs. 1,000,000, Rs. 500,000 and Rs. 300,000. They will also be offered a one-year job contract with SAMAA TV after completing their academic degrees. SAMAA TV is one of Pakistan’s leading private satellite television channels, which takes pride in its fair, factual and independent news coverage through its on-the-hour bulletins, breaking stories, incisive political analysis and current affairs programs. The channel is the first media channel is Pakistan to have established a well-integrated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program as part of it business activities. SAMAA TV’s CSR program carries various initiatives within health, education, environment and outreach programs focusing on improving the socio-economic situation of Pakistan. The channel has also made a niche for itself through its programs on women and youth issues besides infotainment and sports. SAMAA TV, launched in December 2007 has network of district correspondents and five bureaus across Pakistan along with international stringers in the Middle East, Europe and North America. |
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Swine Flu (H1N1) can Become a Major Political Crisis Instead of a Health Crisis by October 2009
World Health Organization (WHO) holds The International Communication Conference on Disease Outbreak in Cairo, Egypt. Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV, delivered a talk on "The Reaction of Media to Diseases Outbreak" at the International Communication Conference on Disease Outbreak at the World Health Organization's Mediterranean Regional Office in Cairo, Egypt.
The World Health Organization (WHO) held "The International Communication Conference on Disease Outbreak. H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus was the focus of the conference that was held in Cairo, Egypt last week from 28-30 July 2009. Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV, delivered a talk on "The Reaction of Media to Diseases Outbreak" at the International Communication Conference on Disease Outbreak at the World Health Organization's Mediterranean Regional Office in Cairo, Egypt.
The Reaction of Media to Diseases Outbreak The International Communication Conference on Disease Outbreak. H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus was the focus of the conference that was held in Cairo, Egypt last week from 28-30 July 2009.
Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV, delivered a talk on disease outbreaks
are eminently newsworthy. The public has a right to be informed and the media is the key partner in the communication triangle with health officials.
Media, particularly radio and television stations, play a critical role in reaching downtrodden rural population. The media may also exert pressure on those in charge to act rapidly and efficiently.
key to good communication is the early release of information for the masses; such communication initiates a process of trust which is maintained by absolute transparency. In this age of instant global communication, it is impossible to hide information. The media need to be recognized as critical partners in outbreak response and management.
H1N1 has swept around the world in weeks, infecting millions and killing more than 800 by official counts. While only a "moderate" pandemic by World Health Organization standards, it could worsen as temperatures cool in the Northern Hemisphere, making conditions better for viruses. H1N1 (also referred as "swine flu") is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009.
The crises communication workshop revolved around H1N1 virus on how the world should react to the outbreak of the deadly flu that has already claimed so many lives around the world. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. This virus is a global threat.
According to FluNet reporting from the Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN), 3548 detections of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus were reported from 13 countries in a recent survey. The majority of detections were reported by China, Hong Kong followed by Australia and Italy Among the 13 countries, on average, the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus accounted for 71% of all influenza virus detections (66% in northern hemisphere and 89% in southern hemisphere). The highest rate of detection of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus was reported by Greece.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Amir Jahangir said, "disease outbreaks are eminently newsworthy. The public has a right to be informed and the media is the key partner in the communication triangle with health officials." And that the role of the media is pivotal, particularly at the start of an outbreak, to create a well informed public so that they are equipped to protect themselves from the outbreaks and epidemics."
Jahangir was addressing a gathering of more then 40 health communications experts, representing the countries in the region of Asia, Middle East and Africa, along with professionals from repesctive governments and World Health Organizations' representatives.
SAMAA TV played a leading role in carrying out awareness campaigns reinforcing the importance of the Polio Eradication Program and encouraging parents and families to call the Polio Control Cell in case of any complaints, requirement of information related to vaccinations or lack of teams visiting their area.
The three countries in Asia that still have polio are on target to end the disease this year. Last year, polio cases in Afghanistan, India and Pakistan were slashed by 45%. Similar momentum and support from the media this year should put an end to the transmission of polio in this particularly populated region of the world, which has proven a challenge to global eradication efforts.
SAMAA TV, in joint collaboration with, UNICEF Pakistan and the Ministry of Health was the first media channel in Pakistan to establish the Polio Control Cell aimed at acting as an information bridge between the citizens and the polio control authorities. The Cell, first of its kind provided instant information on the initiative to callers in the length and breadth of the country besides performing the vital task of identifying missed areas and children. Since its establishment in October 2008, more than 50,000 children have been ensured the vaccination against the polio virus, who otherwise would have been included as the missed targets during the campaigns. The Polio Control Cell has also received high acknowledgement at the international forums, where Mr. Bill Gates, Co-chair and Trustee of the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation and the Director General World Health Organization, Dr. M. Chan has applauded the SAMAA model as "The Pakistan Model" and called it a benchmark to be replicated in other epidemic developing countries. The model has also been commended at the Stanford University as one of the prime Innovation Journalism case studies at the 6th Innovation Journalism Conference held in May 2009.
Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV, Mr. Amir Jahangir also said "Media, particularly radio and television stations, play a critical role in reaching downtrodden rural population. The media may also exert pressure on those in charge to act rapidly and efficiently."
He further added "A key to good communication is the early release of information for the masses; such communication initiates a process of trust which is maintained by absolute transparency. In this age of instant global communication, it is impossible to hide information."
In April 2009, the VINNOVA-Stanford Research Center of Innovation Journalism honored Mr. Amir Jahangir as the Program Advisor to the Research Center on Global Media Development and Journalism. Mr. Jahangir has also played a crucial role in improving health reporting from Pakistan. He also received the special award for Innovations in Health Journalism from the Ministry of Health and UNICEF for creating the concept of the Polio Control Cell. Mr. Jahangir is known for being a media person carrying out health related innovations in media and communications in Pakistan; on various platforms; including The World Bank Development Indicators, United Nation Development Indicators, and the Global Competitiveness Indicators of the World Economic Forum based out of Davos. A special award was presented for his contribution and efforts towards the eradication of polio across Pakistan earlier in July 2009.
Mr. Amir Jahangir emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of H1N1 virus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) expects to be a major outbreak in October this year, as it can develop into a major political crisis from a global health crisis.
He further added that "the countries not into swine farming are also at a high threat as the international travelers could be the carrier for the disease. The recent case of the swine flu deaths in the Gulf States proves this. The disease is transmitted from person to person when germs enter the nose and/or throat. Coughs and sneezes release germs into the air where they can be breathed in by others.
In the end Mr. Jahangir said, "The media need to be recognized as critical partners in outbreak response and management."
SAMAA TV ensures the training and understanding of its reporters on all issues. SAMAA TV provides the public with prompt and correct information on all issues including health or a disease outbreak.
SAMAA TV is one of Pakistan's leading private satellite television channels, which takes pride in its fair, factual and independent news coverage through its on-the-hour bulletins, breaking stories, incisive political analysis and current affairs programs. The channel has also made a niche for itself through its programs on women and youth issues besides infotainment and sports. SAMAA TV, launched in December 2007 has network of district correspondents and five (5) bureaus across Pakistan along with international stringers in the Middle East, Europe and North America.
The World Health Organization (WHO) held "The International Communication Conference on Disease Outbreak. H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus was the focus of the conference that was held in Cairo, Egypt last week from 28-30 July 2009. Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV, delivered a talk on "The Reaction of Media to Diseases Outbreak" at the International Communication Conference on Disease Outbreak at the World Health Organization's Mediterranean Regional Office in Cairo, Egypt.
The Reaction of Media to Diseases Outbreak The International Communication Conference on Disease Outbreak. H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus was the focus of the conference that was held in Cairo, Egypt last week from 28-30 July 2009.
Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV, delivered a talk on disease outbreaks
are eminently newsworthy. The public has a right to be informed and the media is the key partner in the communication triangle with health officials.
Media, particularly radio and television stations, play a critical role in reaching downtrodden rural population. The media may also exert pressure on those in charge to act rapidly and efficiently.
key to good communication is the early release of information for the masses; such communication initiates a process of trust which is maintained by absolute transparency. In this age of instant global communication, it is impossible to hide information. The media need to be recognized as critical partners in outbreak response and management.
H1N1 has swept around the world in weeks, infecting millions and killing more than 800 by official counts. While only a "moderate" pandemic by World Health Organization standards, it could worsen as temperatures cool in the Northern Hemisphere, making conditions better for viruses. H1N1 (also referred as "swine flu") is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009.
The crises communication workshop revolved around H1N1 virus on how the world should react to the outbreak of the deadly flu that has already claimed so many lives around the world. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. This virus is a global threat.
According to FluNet reporting from the Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN), 3548 detections of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus were reported from 13 countries in a recent survey. The majority of detections were reported by China, Hong Kong followed by Australia and Italy Among the 13 countries, on average, the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus accounted for 71% of all influenza virus detections (66% in northern hemisphere and 89% in southern hemisphere). The highest rate of detection of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus was reported by Greece.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Amir Jahangir said, "disease outbreaks are eminently newsworthy. The public has a right to be informed and the media is the key partner in the communication triangle with health officials." And that the role of the media is pivotal, particularly at the start of an outbreak, to create a well informed public so that they are equipped to protect themselves from the outbreaks and epidemics."
Jahangir was addressing a gathering of more then 40 health communications experts, representing the countries in the region of Asia, Middle East and Africa, along with professionals from repesctive governments and World Health Organizations' representatives.
SAMAA TV played a leading role in carrying out awareness campaigns reinforcing the importance of the Polio Eradication Program and encouraging parents and families to call the Polio Control Cell in case of any complaints, requirement of information related to vaccinations or lack of teams visiting their area.
The three countries in Asia that still have polio are on target to end the disease this year. Last year, polio cases in Afghanistan, India and Pakistan were slashed by 45%. Similar momentum and support from the media this year should put an end to the transmission of polio in this particularly populated region of the world, which has proven a challenge to global eradication efforts.
SAMAA TV, in joint collaboration with, UNICEF Pakistan and the Ministry of Health was the first media channel in Pakistan to establish the Polio Control Cell aimed at acting as an information bridge between the citizens and the polio control authorities. The Cell, first of its kind provided instant information on the initiative to callers in the length and breadth of the country besides performing the vital task of identifying missed areas and children. Since its establishment in October 2008, more than 50,000 children have been ensured the vaccination against the polio virus, who otherwise would have been included as the missed targets during the campaigns. The Polio Control Cell has also received high acknowledgement at the international forums, where Mr. Bill Gates, Co-chair and Trustee of the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation and the Director General World Health Organization, Dr. M. Chan has applauded the SAMAA model as "The Pakistan Model" and called it a benchmark to be replicated in other epidemic developing countries. The model has also been commended at the Stanford University as one of the prime Innovation Journalism case studies at the 6th Innovation Journalism Conference held in May 2009.
Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV, Mr. Amir Jahangir also said "Media, particularly radio and television stations, play a critical role in reaching downtrodden rural population. The media may also exert pressure on those in charge to act rapidly and efficiently."
He further added "A key to good communication is the early release of information for the masses; such communication initiates a process of trust which is maintained by absolute transparency. In this age of instant global communication, it is impossible to hide information."
In April 2009, the VINNOVA-Stanford Research Center of Innovation Journalism honored Mr. Amir Jahangir as the Program Advisor to the Research Center on Global Media Development and Journalism. Mr. Jahangir has also played a crucial role in improving health reporting from Pakistan. He also received the special award for Innovations in Health Journalism from the Ministry of Health and UNICEF for creating the concept of the Polio Control Cell. Mr. Jahangir is known for being a media person carrying out health related innovations in media and communications in Pakistan; on various platforms; including The World Bank Development Indicators, United Nation Development Indicators, and the Global Competitiveness Indicators of the World Economic Forum based out of Davos. A special award was presented for his contribution and efforts towards the eradication of polio across Pakistan earlier in July 2009.
Mr. Amir Jahangir emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of H1N1 virus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) expects to be a major outbreak in October this year, as it can develop into a major political crisis from a global health crisis.
He further added that "the countries not into swine farming are also at a high threat as the international travelers could be the carrier for the disease. The recent case of the swine flu deaths in the Gulf States proves this. The disease is transmitted from person to person when germs enter the nose and/or throat. Coughs and sneezes release germs into the air where they can be breathed in by others.
In the end Mr. Jahangir said, "The media need to be recognized as critical partners in outbreak response and management."
SAMAA TV ensures the training and understanding of its reporters on all issues. SAMAA TV provides the public with prompt and correct information on all issues including health or a disease outbreak.
SAMAA TV is one of Pakistan's leading private satellite television channels, which takes pride in its fair, factual and independent news coverage through its on-the-hour bulletins, breaking stories, incisive political analysis and current affairs programs. The channel has also made a niche for itself through its programs on women and youth issues besides infotainment and sports. SAMAA TV, launched in December 2007 has network of district correspondents and five (5) bureaus across Pakistan along with international stringers in the Middle East, Europe and North America.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
SAMAA TV AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP AND JOB OFFER TO NEW MEDIA TALENT THROUGH HEC-SAMAA TV SCHOLARASHIP PROGRAMME.
.:: SAMAA - PAKISTANI MEDIA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP AND JOB OFFER TO NEW MEDIA TALENT THROUGH HEC-SAMAA TV SCHOLARASHIP PROGRAMME.
Shared via AddThis
PAKISTANI MEDIA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP AND JOB OFFER TO NEW MEDIA TALENT THROUGH HEC-SAMAA TV SCHOLARASHIP PROGRAMME.
“The Higher Education Commission and SAMAA TV has taken a landmark initiative in promoting the Industry-Academia Linkage network model, which is highly required for the future quality work force development in Pakistan. Such initiatives will strongly benefit the business communities in tapping the knowledge being produced in the academia and support the economic growth of our nationâ€-Mr. Qamar-Uz-Zaman Kaira, Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting
Islamabad, 8th June 2009 – Today, the first Scholarship programme for Media students in Pakistan announced its first batch of successful candidates at an award ceremony held at the Higher Education Commission in Islamabad.
SAMAA TV, one of Pakistan’s leading urdu news channels, in joint collaboration with the Higher Education Commission today awarded scholarships to selected media students of public universities across Pakistan through the HEC-SAMAA TV Scholarship Programme. The successful students were awarded certificates by Ms. Shehnaz Wazir Ali, Chairperson HEC.
Speaking at the media conference, Chief Guest, Mr. Qamar-Uz-Zaman Kaira, Federal Minister of Information & Broadcasting applauded HEC and SAMAA TV for taking a landmark initiative and developing the first scholarship programme targeted for media students. “This has highlighted the need for developing and catering the potential within our youth who carry the aspiration of pursuing a career in the media industry. This scholarship has further endorsed the importance of the public-private partnership model, which is the future road for improving the socio-economic situation in our country, as engaging all stakeholders across the board makes the journey more focused, result oriented and achievableâ€.
The selected candidates for the HEC-SAMAA TV Scholarship Programme are Mr. Jaffar Hussain Pahnwar (University of Sindh), Mr. Muhammad Ashad (University of Karachi), Mr. Samar Abbas Qazafi (NUML), Mr. Usman Umer (Punjab University), Ms. Ghazala Zia (PU), Mr. Muhammad Atif Waheed (PU), Ms. Pawan Masaud Amna (PU), Mr. Muhammad Tauseef Sabih (PU), Mr. Hafiz Atiq ur-Rehman (PU), Mr. Muhammad Qurban (PU).
Mr. Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV spoke on the new media age and said that â€The media is evolving on a fast track and is now one of the key players in the development of any nation – be it social, political or economic role play. The global journalism and competitive market now also demands quality work force. This scholarship programme is a step towards bridging the gaps between the academia and industry and creating the quality work force required to take Pakistan forward and position our country on a more competitive global footingâ€.
Mr. Jahangir also said that SAMAA TV believes in constructive innovation journalism, which is particularly relevant to Pakistan, as since long the local media has relentlessly only pursued the country’s challenges. He said that “We, at SAMAA believe that it is time to move from “raising a problem†towards a solution oriented perspectiveâ€. Mr. Jahangir announced ten (10) new scholarships for mass communication students of public universities across Pakistan.
The Scholarship Programme took its start through the signing of a MoU with the Higher Education Commission on 20th October 2008. Samaa TV will through this scholarship programme be providing (10) students from any public university across Pakistan with a scholarship of Rs. 50.000/- per student to cover the tuition fee for two years of Master’s level degree in Mass Communication. All of the successful candidates will upon completion of education and a min. scoring of GPA 3.0 be offered a one year job contract with SAMAA TV with salary at par with the industry standard and with desired department
To ensure a transparent selection and also to identify the most eligible and suitable candidate, a selection committee was established consisting of representatives from the HEC, SAMAA TV, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and Pakistan Federal Union Journalist (PFUJ). Each of the organizations carries an in-depth insight into the needs of a professional media person, who can become an asset to the development of the media industry.
Samaa will through this initiative be creating potential and talent for the media industry and also be building the capacity of young individuals, who have the talent but lack the resources to achieve their educational standards. By financially supporting a talent, Samaa will be playing its active role in bringing a positive change in the social, political and economic scenario in Pakistan.
SAMAA TV is one of Pakistan’s leading private satellite television channels, which takes pride in its fair, factual and independent news coverage through its on-the-hour bulletins, breaking stories, incisive political analysis and current affairs programs. The channel has also made a niche for itself through its programs on women and youth issues besides infotainment and sports. SAMAA TV, launched in December 2007 has network of district correspondents and 5 bureaus across Pakistan along with international stringers in the Middle East, Europe and North America.
Shared via AddThis
PAKISTANI MEDIA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP AND JOB OFFER TO NEW MEDIA TALENT THROUGH HEC-SAMAA TV SCHOLARASHIP PROGRAMME.
“The Higher Education Commission and SAMAA TV has taken a landmark initiative in promoting the Industry-Academia Linkage network model, which is highly required for the future quality work force development in Pakistan. Such initiatives will strongly benefit the business communities in tapping the knowledge being produced in the academia and support the economic growth of our nationâ€-Mr. Qamar-Uz-Zaman Kaira, Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting
Islamabad, 8th June 2009 – Today, the first Scholarship programme for Media students in Pakistan announced its first batch of successful candidates at an award ceremony held at the Higher Education Commission in Islamabad.
SAMAA TV, one of Pakistan’s leading urdu news channels, in joint collaboration with the Higher Education Commission today awarded scholarships to selected media students of public universities across Pakistan through the HEC-SAMAA TV Scholarship Programme. The successful students were awarded certificates by Ms. Shehnaz Wazir Ali, Chairperson HEC.
Speaking at the media conference, Chief Guest, Mr. Qamar-Uz-Zaman Kaira, Federal Minister of Information & Broadcasting applauded HEC and SAMAA TV for taking a landmark initiative and developing the first scholarship programme targeted for media students. “This has highlighted the need for developing and catering the potential within our youth who carry the aspiration of pursuing a career in the media industry. This scholarship has further endorsed the importance of the public-private partnership model, which is the future road for improving the socio-economic situation in our country, as engaging all stakeholders across the board makes the journey more focused, result oriented and achievableâ€.
The selected candidates for the HEC-SAMAA TV Scholarship Programme are Mr. Jaffar Hussain Pahnwar (University of Sindh), Mr. Muhammad Ashad (University of Karachi), Mr. Samar Abbas Qazafi (NUML), Mr. Usman Umer (Punjab University), Ms. Ghazala Zia (PU), Mr. Muhammad Atif Waheed (PU), Ms. Pawan Masaud Amna (PU), Mr. Muhammad Tauseef Sabih (PU), Mr. Hafiz Atiq ur-Rehman (PU), Mr. Muhammad Qurban (PU).
Mr. Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV spoke on the new media age and said that â€The media is evolving on a fast track and is now one of the key players in the development of any nation – be it social, political or economic role play. The global journalism and competitive market now also demands quality work force. This scholarship programme is a step towards bridging the gaps between the academia and industry and creating the quality work force required to take Pakistan forward and position our country on a more competitive global footingâ€.
Mr. Jahangir also said that SAMAA TV believes in constructive innovation journalism, which is particularly relevant to Pakistan, as since long the local media has relentlessly only pursued the country’s challenges. He said that “We, at SAMAA believe that it is time to move from “raising a problem†towards a solution oriented perspectiveâ€. Mr. Jahangir announced ten (10) new scholarships for mass communication students of public universities across Pakistan.
The Scholarship Programme took its start through the signing of a MoU with the Higher Education Commission on 20th October 2008. Samaa TV will through this scholarship programme be providing (10) students from any public university across Pakistan with a scholarship of Rs. 50.000/- per student to cover the tuition fee for two years of Master’s level degree in Mass Communication. All of the successful candidates will upon completion of education and a min. scoring of GPA 3.0 be offered a one year job contract with SAMAA TV with salary at par with the industry standard and with desired department
To ensure a transparent selection and also to identify the most eligible and suitable candidate, a selection committee was established consisting of representatives from the HEC, SAMAA TV, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and Pakistan Federal Union Journalist (PFUJ). Each of the organizations carries an in-depth insight into the needs of a professional media person, who can become an asset to the development of the media industry.
Samaa will through this initiative be creating potential and talent for the media industry and also be building the capacity of young individuals, who have the talent but lack the resources to achieve their educational standards. By financially supporting a talent, Samaa will be playing its active role in bringing a positive change in the social, political and economic scenario in Pakistan.
SAMAA TV is one of Pakistan’s leading private satellite television channels, which takes pride in its fair, factual and independent news coverage through its on-the-hour bulletins, breaking stories, incisive political analysis and current affairs programs. The channel has also made a niche for itself through its programs on women and youth issues besides infotainment and sports. SAMAA TV, launched in December 2007 has network of district correspondents and 5 bureaus across Pakistan along with international stringers in the Middle East, Europe and North America.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
.:: SAMAA - Govt won’t delay funding: Khar
.:: SAMAA - Govt won’t delay funding: Khar
Shared via AddThis
This fiscal year the government will definitely distribute development funding on time, assured state finance minister Hina Rabbani Khar Tuesday while acknowledging this was not done last year.
“Literally, resources were so tight [last year], no development spending was possible,†Khar explained on SAMAA’s Pakistan Aaj Raat programme with Ihtesham-ul Haq who questioned her on the new federal budget she presented on June 13. “At least now we are talking about economic revival.â€
That revival has been slow in the making since October 2008 when the currency had devalued, there was a run on the banks, and economically Pakistan was at a low point. “People had lost confidence,†she said, adding that no government wants to turn to the IMF, but unfortunately it is a “lender of last resortâ€. “But stabilisation wasn’t possible without that,†she stressed.
Most of all, the province of Balochistan suffered because of the shortage in development funds, she acknowledged but said that all the money it was owed from the last fiscal year had been carried forward.
This budget includes the highest ever allocation for development – Rs 646 billion to make up for last year. The Public Sector Development Programme has been split into Rs 421 billion for federal projects and Rs 200 billion for the provinces, to be spent through their Annual Development Programmes.
TEXTILES
In order to keep working on stabilization, Khar said the budget had set aside 40 billion rupees for its investment support fund. This was essentially to target exports and thus mainly applied to textiles. A minister had gone up to her after the budget speech and complained that she had not mentioned this sector at all. She clarified, however, that she had repeatedly referred to manufacturing and industry and in fact this time a good textile policy had been prepared. “One major thing that has been done is that we have decided to bring energy costs down instead of subsidizing textiles,†she said.
CARBON SURCHARGE
Ihtesham-ul Haq questioned her on the new carbon surcharge on petroleum products that would be imposed from July 1.
“I will be highly unpopular right now,†she said with a smile, before going on to explain the reason why the government has put a carbon tax in addition to GST.
The gas supply for Pakistan has to be rationed because we are short on it. For four months of the year, half of industry comes to a grinding halt because of the gas shortage and contract employees go unemployed. “You have to decide whether you want gas on your streets or in your factories and power houses,†she said, while explaining why it will be more expensive. The ministry and power houses need 335 MCFD but have been getting only 100 MCFD which is why they are forced to close or use furnace oil. “When you have a resource shortage, you have to prioritize,†she said.
INVESTMENT
Khar was extremely candid when asked about the likelihood of foreign investment given the current fight against extremism. “It would be very unrealistic to say that Foreign Direct Investment will come,†she said while describing the possibility as “not very positiveâ€.
“Pakistan is in the news every day for suicide bombings,†she said. “But we must recognize that bold decisions need to be taken. No one has Aladdin’s lamp to say what will happen.†And there were areas where investment was still being made even though people were spreading panic by saying investors wouldn’t even come to Pakistan for meetings and preferred Dubai.
She felt it was sad that Pakistanis were tolerating such high levels of violence that has been affecting the economy so badly – a war economy for all intents and purposes. “No other country has such a high acceptance for wrong, such a soft corner,†she said, adding that Pakistanis still manage to rationalize violence by saying its perpetrators must have some reason.
Nonetheless, she assured that the government was trying to bring back confidence and if industry output or growth goes from a -4 percent to 2 percent, that would still be an improvement.
AGRICULTURE
The rich landholders should be taxed, argued Khar when questioned on the agriculture tax.
“I am not talking about the hari who has barely 25 acres and one tractor,†she said, clarifying that the agriculture tax could not be applied to such poor people. “We’re talking about the rich ones with say, more than 20 morabas… [But we know that] we have to first increase farmer income,†she stressed.
Khar’s stance was rejected by former minister Sartaj Aziz, who felt that an agriculture tax was not a federal government matter. “This is something for the local bodies… they will be able to assess it better,†Aziz said over the phone during the programme. “[But for it to become a federal government matter] you would need a constitutional amendment.†When asked if people were ready for something like this, Aziz replied that he didn’t think so. “Far more important constitutional amendments haven’t come through… how would this one?â€
Shared via AddThis
This fiscal year the government will definitely distribute development funding on time, assured state finance minister Hina Rabbani Khar Tuesday while acknowledging this was not done last year.
“Literally, resources were so tight [last year], no development spending was possible,†Khar explained on SAMAA’s Pakistan Aaj Raat programme with Ihtesham-ul Haq who questioned her on the new federal budget she presented on June 13. “At least now we are talking about economic revival.â€
That revival has been slow in the making since October 2008 when the currency had devalued, there was a run on the banks, and economically Pakistan was at a low point. “People had lost confidence,†she said, adding that no government wants to turn to the IMF, but unfortunately it is a “lender of last resortâ€. “But stabilisation wasn’t possible without that,†she stressed.
Most of all, the province of Balochistan suffered because of the shortage in development funds, she acknowledged but said that all the money it was owed from the last fiscal year had been carried forward.
This budget includes the highest ever allocation for development – Rs 646 billion to make up for last year. The Public Sector Development Programme has been split into Rs 421 billion for federal projects and Rs 200 billion for the provinces, to be spent through their Annual Development Programmes.
TEXTILES
In order to keep working on stabilization, Khar said the budget had set aside 40 billion rupees for its investment support fund. This was essentially to target exports and thus mainly applied to textiles. A minister had gone up to her after the budget speech and complained that she had not mentioned this sector at all. She clarified, however, that she had repeatedly referred to manufacturing and industry and in fact this time a good textile policy had been prepared. “One major thing that has been done is that we have decided to bring energy costs down instead of subsidizing textiles,†she said.
CARBON SURCHARGE
Ihtesham-ul Haq questioned her on the new carbon surcharge on petroleum products that would be imposed from July 1.
“I will be highly unpopular right now,†she said with a smile, before going on to explain the reason why the government has put a carbon tax in addition to GST.
The gas supply for Pakistan has to be rationed because we are short on it. For four months of the year, half of industry comes to a grinding halt because of the gas shortage and contract employees go unemployed. “You have to decide whether you want gas on your streets or in your factories and power houses,†she said, while explaining why it will be more expensive. The ministry and power houses need 335 MCFD but have been getting only 100 MCFD which is why they are forced to close or use furnace oil. “When you have a resource shortage, you have to prioritize,†she said.
INVESTMENT
Khar was extremely candid when asked about the likelihood of foreign investment given the current fight against extremism. “It would be very unrealistic to say that Foreign Direct Investment will come,†she said while describing the possibility as “not very positiveâ€.
“Pakistan is in the news every day for suicide bombings,†she said. “But we must recognize that bold decisions need to be taken. No one has Aladdin’s lamp to say what will happen.†And there were areas where investment was still being made even though people were spreading panic by saying investors wouldn’t even come to Pakistan for meetings and preferred Dubai.
She felt it was sad that Pakistanis were tolerating such high levels of violence that has been affecting the economy so badly – a war economy for all intents and purposes. “No other country has such a high acceptance for wrong, such a soft corner,†she said, adding that Pakistanis still manage to rationalize violence by saying its perpetrators must have some reason.
Nonetheless, she assured that the government was trying to bring back confidence and if industry output or growth goes from a -4 percent to 2 percent, that would still be an improvement.
AGRICULTURE
The rich landholders should be taxed, argued Khar when questioned on the agriculture tax.
“I am not talking about the hari who has barely 25 acres and one tractor,†she said, clarifying that the agriculture tax could not be applied to such poor people. “We’re talking about the rich ones with say, more than 20 morabas… [But we know that] we have to first increase farmer income,†she stressed.
Khar’s stance was rejected by former minister Sartaj Aziz, who felt that an agriculture tax was not a federal government matter. “This is something for the local bodies… they will be able to assess it better,†Aziz said over the phone during the programme. “[But for it to become a federal government matter] you would need a constitutional amendment.†When asked if people were ready for something like this, Aziz replied that he didn’t think so. “Far more important constitutional amendments haven’t come through… how would this one?â€
.:: SAMAA - SC orders survey of transsexuals
.:: SAMAA - SC orders survey of transsexuals
Shared via AddThis
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered the Social Welfare Department to survey the Third Gender people in Pakistan and register them.
A three-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry ordered this during the hearing of a constitutional application by Dr Aslam Khaki on Tuesday. The next hearing would be held after reports come from the provinces.
The court has also ordered that it should be indicated in the reports whether the transsexuals are living with their ‘gurus’ by consent or have been compelled to live with them. It should also be seen what kind of facilities they are being provided and what is their personal status.
The court also gave directions for it to be ascertained whether the transsexual was handed over to the guru with the parents’ consent or if pressure was applied.
The SC also directed that no transsexual could be handed over to a guru now without the parents informing the Social Welfare Department.
Shared via AddThis
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered the Social Welfare Department to survey the Third Gender people in Pakistan and register them.
A three-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry ordered this during the hearing of a constitutional application by Dr Aslam Khaki on Tuesday. The next hearing would be held after reports come from the provinces.
The court has also ordered that it should be indicated in the reports whether the transsexuals are living with their ‘gurus’ by consent or have been compelled to live with them. It should also be seen what kind of facilities they are being provided and what is their personal status.
The court also gave directions for it to be ascertained whether the transsexual was handed over to the guru with the parents’ consent or if pressure was applied.
The SC also directed that no transsexual could be handed over to a guru now without the parents informing the Social Welfare Department.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Stanford salutes SAMAA TV's Polio Control Cell Initiative with UNICEF Pakistan
SAMAA TV's Polio Control Cell was considered one of the most innovative initiatives for the media's role as a watchdog on Heath care Delivery Mechanisms, at the 6th international conference on Innovation Journalism at Stanford University, California, USA.SAMAA TV is a liberal Urdu language television channel in Pakistan, a country where polio has yet to be eradicated. Many communities have yet to be immunized; vaccination teams are sometimes unable to reach remote areas, or parents themselves refuse the vaccination drops for their children out of misplaced fear because of a lack of information or for religious reasons.
SAMAA’s Polio Control Cell, set up with UNICEF and the Ministry of Health, will help the health authorities reach out to the most vulnerable communities and include every child below five years of age in the national polio vaccination programme.
After SAMAA and the government and UNICEF teamed up, 14,500 complaints were recorded and managed by the television channel, as a result of which 22,000 children, who otherwise would have been left unvaccinated, were tended to.
In their bid to eradicate Polio from Pakistan, UNICEF and the Ministry of Health vaccinate almost 35 million children after every 60 days.
SAMAA’s Polio Control Cell was discussed as an innovative media initiative at the Stanford conference (May 18-20) which was attended by working journalists, media entrepreneurs and policy-makers in media and innovation, academic researchers, faculty and students in related areas of study and other professionals related to the innovation ecosystems across the world.
The Innovation Journalism conference, since its start in 2004, has become a global platform and meeting place for discussing the best ways of covering innovation in the news, the business of doing that work, and how innovation journalism interacts with society.
The media boom within the past seven years has led to growth of more than 70 channels with a majority of them focusing on news and current affairs in Pakistan. This has spurred on a largely young population to adapt modern ways of learning and keeping themselves aware.
The conference included keynotes on the crises and opportunities for journalism and workshops on Innovation Journalism best practices. The sessions ranged from the business models of innovation journalism to how to cover innovation - a 'horizontal' topic, crossing the normal production lines in the news room.
Among the keynote speakers were VINT CERF - Chief Internet Evangelist of Google, "Father of the Internet", CURTIS CARLSON, President SRI, G. PASCAL ZACHARY, Journalist; Vis.Scholar, UC Berkeley, MICHAEL KANELLOS, Editor-in-Chief, Greentech Media, ERIC ELDON of VentureBeat.
At the session of "Where is the Money?", Jason Pontin, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, Technology Review, Thomas Frostberg, Senior Business Columnist, Sydsvenska Dagbladet and Amir Jahangir, CEO of SAMAA TV Pakistan, were the keynote speakers. The session was moderated by DAVID NORDFORS, Executive Director of the VINNOVA-STANFORD Research Center of Innovation Journalism.
The news and media business models in Asia, specifically Pakistan, India, and Thailand etc. are not only intact but offer greater value due to a much richer demographics as well as young workforce, which consists of an emerging middle class.
Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV, one of Pakistan's leading Urdu news channels, and other representatives of SAMAA TV, Shahray Zariff, Meher Bokhari and Fatima Akhtar, were selected as key presenters for the IJ-6 based on SAMAA TV's leading initiatives for the media's role in the socio-economic development of Pakistan through some of the innovative strategies, which have been benchmarked as global standards in communications.
"The Pakistani media has arrived, it is independent, evolving and becoming a platform for the entire nation's expression and hope," said Amir Jahangir, adding that media independence and its growing following and influence are not only bringing about a social change but a complete re-engineering of the entire societal structure.
"The media is consistently attracting investment, human capital improvement and audience/viewers participation. With more research, development of specific academic infrastructure, induction of technology and more innovative forms of journalism, we are confident that this sector will not only evolve itself but will also demonstrate the capacity to influence other sectors to grow as well.”
Jahangir concluded by highlighting the importance of the Asian region, sharing that it consists of over a third of the world's population, a population which is young, mostly between 16 to 30 years old and includes a set of emerging and still vibrant economies. Jahangir said that the future of the media in the Asian region is promising and hopeful and would play an important role in leading the world in to what could as well be the Asian Renaissance. Amir Jahangir is also a Program Advisor to the VINNOVA Research Center of Innovation Journalism.
Shahray Zariff, Executive Producer for SAMAA TV, spoke on the launch of the first program on Innovation in Pakistan, another leading initiative by SAMAA TV. Zariff shared that the objective of the program is to identify and highlight innovation initiations and processes relevant in Pakistan (which can range from technical, business and social etc.) and benchmark them against international definitions and standards. The program looks at innovation as a holistic process and highlights the link between technical innovation and its social and cultural impact. The program is produced in collaboration with innovation journalism fellows across the globe.
Fatima Akhtar, Senior Manager for SAMAA TV's Interactive Platform, presented SAMAA's vision for its interactive platform, that links innovation to new media development with the aim of uniting audiences and providing them with a platform whereby, they can initiate a healthy "dialogue". Apart from providing credible news stories to societies around the world, this interactive platform also allows audiences to share their content with SAMAA and the rest of the world. SAMAA is also creating its interactive profile as a Web 3.0 ready model. This will be one of the first initiatives from Pakistan in compliance with the Davos based World Economic Forum's WELCOME platform.
Capitalizing on the potential offered by new media, SAMAA's citizen journalism initiative i.e. iSAMAA aims to create content through collaboration and partnerships. One of the most significant milestones achieved through this initiative was SAMAA TV's collaboration with ALLVOICES.COM (a citizen journalism startup based out of Silicon Valley, an initiative of Innovation Journalism Fellow). SAMAA is also collaborating with a domestic citizen journalism portal: SeenReport (a startup out of Lahore University of Management Sciences). The uniqueness of the portal is that, among the different categories, there is also a beat on "INNOVATION" whereby, users can upload content relevant to this particular beat.
The objective is to allow citizens to come together and create a more effective communication among different communities thus, shifting their role of "consumers" to "innovators and content creators" of knowledge and information.
During the various presentations, one of the most applauded initiatives among the participants was SAMAA TV's innovative health communication programme for the Pakistan Polio Program, the "Pakistan Polio Control Cell". The presentation was given by Ms. Meher Bokhari, Senior Producer and Anchor of SAMAA TV.
This initiative managed a big challenge on the ground by empowering the media to play the role of a watchdog and pressure the health authorities to deliver on improving the health service delivery systems. Recently the initiative has also been recognized as a benchmark for future Polio campaigns around the world by the Global Director of the World Health Organization, Bruce Alyward, and Bill Gates, the founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, on their maiden visit of Nigeria this year.
Dr. David Nordfors, co-founder and Executive Director of the VINNOVA-Stanford Research Center of Innovation Journalism, reinforced the importance of innovation in today's global development by saying that, "for journalism to survive, it must succeed with innovation. Journalism needs to innovate to survive as a business, which means that citizens, students, workers, executives, all of us need to innovate in response to tectonic economic upheaval. Journalists have the critical and vital role of independent investigation, gathering and presenting news to increase general understanding of the engines of innovation".
The Innovation Journalism Program at Stanford also organizes the Innovation Journalism Fellowships, where each year a selected number of journalists mix workshops and conferences at Stanford with covering innovation in collaboration with hosting newsrooms. The fellowship program in Pakistan is operated in collaboration with the Competitiveness Support Fund, a joint initiative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan.
Other than SAMAA TV, other media representatives from leading organizations from Pakistan also attended the conference including Sarah Hassan from AAJ TV, Nadia Zaffar of DAWN News, Shahzada Zulfiqar from the News International, Hamza Habib Farooq of GEO Television and Mubarik Zaib of DAWN Newspaper.
SAMAA TV, launched in December 2007, is the only Pakistani news channel, which is run as a corporate company rather than a family-owned business. SAMAA
Watch a SAMAA video on the polio campaign in Chaman, Balochistan
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
SAMAA TV Applauded For Best Practices In Innovation Journalism And Media Initiatives At The 6th Innovation Journalism Conference At The Stanford Unive
The VINNOVA-Stanford Research Center of Innovation Journalism held the6th International Conference on Innovation Journalism at Stanford University. The conference, a three day event being held between May 18-20, includes the participation of working journalists, media entrepreneurs and policy-makers in media and innovation, academic researchers, faculty and students in related areas of study, and other professionals related to the innovation ecosystems across the world. The Innovation Journalism conference, since its start in 2004 has become a global platform and meeting place for discussing the best ways of covering innovation in the news, the business of doing that work, and how innovation journalism interacts with society.
The first day of the conference included keynotes on the crisis and the opportunities for journalism and also workshops on Innovation Journalism best practices. The sessions ranged from the business models of innovation journalism to how to cover innovation - a 'horizontal' topic, crossing the normal production lines in the news room.
SAMAA TV's Delegation at the 6th International Conference on Innovation Journalism at the Stanford University
(18-20 May 2009)
(18-20 May 2009)
Among the leading keynote speakers wereVINT CERF - Chief Internet Evangelist of Google, "Father of the Internet", CURTIS CARLSON, PresidentSRI, G. PASCAL ZACHARY, Journalist; Vis.Scholar, UC Berkeley, MICHAEL KANELLOS, Editor-in-Chief, Greentech Media,ERIC ELDON ofVentureBeat.
At the session of "Where is the Money?",JASON PONTIN, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, Technology Review,THOMAS FROSTBERG, Senior Business Columnist, Sydsvenska Dagbladet and AMIR JAHANGIR, CEO of SAMAA TV, Pakistan were the keynote speakers. The session was Moderated by: DAVID NORDFORS, Executive Director of the VINNOVA-STANFORD Research Center of Innovation Journalism. The panel concluded that as the new models of media and journalism is changing the business models of media. The news and media business models in Asia, specifically Pakistan, India, and Thailand etc. are not only intact but offer greater value due to a much richer demographics as well as a young workforce, which consists of an emerging middle class.
Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV, one of Pakistan's leading Urdu news channels and other representatives ofSAMAA TV; Shahray Zariff, Meher Bokhari and Fatima Akhtar were selected as key presenters for the IJ-6 based on SAMAA TV's leading initiatives for media's role in the socio-economic development of Pakistan through some of the innovative strategies, which have been benchmarked as global standards in communications.
Speaking on the new media development in Pakistan, Amir Jahangirsaid that "the recent media boom within the past 7 years has led to growth of more than 70 channels with a majority of them focusing on news and current affairs. This has resulted in driving the largely young population by fresh ideas and adapting modern ways of learning and keeping themselves aware. "The Pakistani media has arrived, it is independent, evolving and becoming a platform for the entire nation's expression and hope", said Jahangir.
Jahangir said that the media independence and its growing following and influence is not only bringing about a social change but a complete re-engineering of the entire societal structure. Speaking on media as a business, he said "Media is consistently attracting investments, human capital improvement and audience/viewers participation. With more research, development of specific academic infrastructures, induction of technology and more innovative forms of journalism, We are confident that this sector will not only evolve itself but will also demonstrate the capacity to influence other sectors to grow as well.
Jahangir concluded his speech by highlighting the importance of the Asian region, sharing that it consists with over a third of the world's population, a population which is young, mostly between 16 to 30 years of age and include a set of emerging and still vibrant economies. Jahangir said that the future of the media in the Asian region is promising and hopeful and would play an important role in leading the world in to what could as well be the Asian renaissance. Amir Jahangir is also the Program Advisor to the VINNOVA Research Center of Innovation Journalism.
Shahray Zariff, Executive Producer for SAMAA TV spoke on the launch of the first program on Innovation in Pakistan, another leading initiative by SAMAA TV. Ms. Zariff shared that the objective of the program is to identify and highlight innovation initiations and processes relevant in Pakistan (which can range from technical, business and social etc) and benchmark them against international definitions and standards. The program looks at innovation as a holistic process and highlights the link between technical innovation and its social and cultural impact. The program is produced in collaboration with the innovation journalism fellows across the globe.
Fatima Akhtar, Senior Manager for SAMAA TV's Interactive Platform, presented SAMAA's vision behind launching its interactive platform, another initiative taken by SAMAA TV, to link innovation with the new media development and with the aim to unite audiences and provide them with a platform whereby, they can initiate a healthy "dialogue". Apart from providing credible news stories to societies around the world, this interactive platform also allows audiences to share their content with SAMAA and the rest of the world.
Capitalizing on the potential offered by new media, SAMAA's citizen journalism initiative i.e. iSAMAA aims to create content through collaboration and partnerships. One of the most significant milestones achieved through this initiative was SAMAA TV's collaboration with ALLVOICES.COM (a citizen journalism startup based out of Silicon Valley, an initiative of Innovation Journalism Fellow). SAMAA is also collaborating with a domestic citizen journalism portal: SeenReport (start up out of Lahore University of Management Sciences) in this regard. The uniqueness of the portal is that, amongst the different categories, there is also a beat on "INNOVATION" whereby, users can upload content relevant to this particular beat.
The objective behind this collaboration is to allow citizens to come together and create a more effective communication amongst different communities thus, shifting their role of "consumers" to "innovators and content creators" of knowledge and information.
During the various presentations, one of the most applauded initiatives among the participants was SAMAA TV's innovative health communication programme for the Pakistan Polio Program, the "Pakistan Polio Control Cell". The presentation was given by Ms. Meher Bokhari, Senior Producer and Anchor of SAMAA TV.
SAMAA TV's Polio Control Cell initiative was established in joint collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Ministry of Health, Government of Pakistan. This initiative provided a platform for the health authorities to reach out to the most vulnerable communities and include every child below 5 years in the national polio vaccination programme. Due to this joint venture, a total of 14,500 complaints were recorded and managed by the television channel resulting in vaccinating 22,000 children, who otherwise would have been left unvaccinated, hence resulting in the re-emergence of the Polio virus in the region. To eradicate Polio from Pakistan, UNICEF and the Ministry of Health vaccinate almost 35 million children after every 60 days.
This initiative managed a big challenge on ground by empowering the media to play the role of the watchdog and pressurize the health authorities to deliver on improving the health service delivery systems. Recently the initiative has also been recognized as a bench mark for future Polio campaigns around the world by Global Director of the World Health Organization, Bruce Alyward and Bill Gates, the founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, at their maiden visit of Nigeria this year.
The initiative between UNICEF and SAMAA TV lead to a unique innovation in health delivery mechanisms and created an opportunity for other media organizations in Pakistan to report on this innovation.
Dr. David Nordfors, co-founder and Executive Director of the VINNOVA-Stanford Research Center of Innovation Journalism reinforced the importance of innovation in today's global development by saying that "for journalism to survive, it must succeed with innovation. Journalism needs to innovate to survive as a business, which means that citizens, students, workers, executives, all of us need to innovate in response to tectonic economic upheaval. Journalists have the critical and vital role of independent investigation, gathering and presenting news to increase general understanding of the engines of innovation".
The Innovation Journalism Program at Stanford also organizes the Innovation Journalism Fellowships, where each year a selected number of journalists mix workshops and conferences at Stanford with covering innovation in collaboration with hosting newsrooms. The fellowship program in Pakistan is operated in collaboration with the Competitiveness Support Fund, a joint initiative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan.
Other than SAMAA TV, other media organizations from Pakistan like AAJ TV, DAWN News, The News International and GEO Television also participated in the conference.
SAMAA TV is one of Pakistan's leading private satellite channels, which takes pride in its fair, factual and independent news coverage through its on-the-hour bulletins, breaking stories, incisive political analysis and current affairs programs. The channel has also made a niche for itself through its programs on women and youth issues besides infotainment. SAMAA TV, launched in December 2007 is the only Pakistani news channel, which is run as a corporate company rather than as a family owned business.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)