Latest news with #Pakhtun
DW
11-07-2025
- Business
- DW
A new digital learning platform for Pakistani journalists
A virtual, interactive and multilingual DW Akademie program offers journalists in Pakistan trainings in media monetization, constructive journalism and audience engagement. The news in Pakistan these days leaves no rest for the weary – or, weary journalists, as the case may be. There are the ongoing trade talks with the United States, the tensions, and also a critical water treaty, with India, and Pakistan's restive border with Iran. Keeping on top of these stories, and also local issues, requires journalists be digitally savvy and quick with research. How can reporters hone their skills in this fast-paced news cycle? Shehnaz Yousafzai, a Pakhtun journalist working for Tribal News Network in Pakistan, wanted to get more efficient at her job. However, she said, 'access to training and opportunities, especially for women, can be limiting here.' I n Pakistan, learning journalism skills has long depended on in-person workshops and conventional trainings. Both are often limited in reach, expensive, and inaccessible to many journalists in remote regions. And although some learning material on platforms like YouTube do exist, these lack structure, interaction and accountability. In response, DW Akademie developed , an interactive e-learning platform that teaches reporting and editing skills and is available in several languages used in Pakistan. It has been, for Yousafazai, a real game-changer. DW Akademie's new media viability learning platform has helped Tribal News Network reporter Shehnaz Yousafazai improved her professional skills. Image: Aiman 'It's an invaluable resource,' she said. 'These e-learning courses helped me overcome many challenges by equipping me with the tools and strategies to innovate, build sustainable media practices, and engage audiences more effectively in a digital-first environment.' ' The availability of these courses in Urdu made them even more accessible and easy to understand,' she continued, 'removing language barriers and enabling deeper learning.' Proven value A ccording to Asif Khan, DW Akademie's representative in Pakistan, the initiative 'replicates the best aspects of training room dynamics , while offering self-paced courses enriched with multimedia, interactive exercises, and performance-tracking features.' Learners are not only supported through structured modules but are also recognized for their efforts with certificates and progress reports, he added. This boosts accountability and motivation. Zahid Dawar, a Pakistani journalist and a platform user, during DW Akademie's stakeholder summit focused on media viability, quality, diversity and safety Image: DW The initiative reflects a partnership between DW Akademie, Tribal News Network and Individualland under the Journalism of the Future project , funded by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Together, they created a digital platform that could meet the real needs of journalists and digital media outlets, with topics ranging from revenue generation, constructive journalism, fact checking, podcasting and climate reporting to AI in media and newsroom diversity. The platform's homepage with course overviews Image: Akademie The platform has quickly proved its value and within just two months of its launch, the courses had been completed 382 times by 60 journalists from 19 media outlets, spanning Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh and other tribal regions. One of the most surprising and rewarding outcomes was the simultaneous skills garnered among the course developers themselves. Despite being some of Pakistan's most well-respected journalism trainers and educators, many had never designed digital courses before. Through DW Akademie's targeted training and support, these experts not only learned the basics of e-course development but also created their first-ever online training. Afia Salam , a senior journalist with Individualland, designed a course on climate change coverage for media workers of different expertise levels. She found that while denialism on the topic is rare, explaining the science to readers and viewers can be hard. To assist with this, she brought in experts to discuss Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change. 'Many journalists just skim the surface, so my attempt was to provide them with as many resources as possible, and specifically in the Urdu language, which is where most of the journalism today is happening,' she said. 'I tried to connect them to those who could explain the science, policies, diplomacy, the economics, so while working within their assigned beats, they can put a climate change lens on stories,' she added. Afia Salam, one of the course creators, and Iqbal Khattak, an expert contributor, during DW Akademie's Media Viability Summit in April. Image: DW Saving time and money The platform , said Khan, stands out because it combines modern e-learning design with local relevance. Courses are grounded in the realities of Pakistani media while using state-of-the-art digital tools, including elements of artificial intelligence that enhance personalization and interactivity. Monetizing media, for instance, is an enormous hurdle in Pakistan, especially for small community channels, said Shereen Karim, a reporter at WomenTV. 'Through the training, I learned more about how we can earn through brands, advertisements, partnerships,' she said. AI tools, she added, help her and her colleagues report faster and thereby save both time and money. 'We can't hire more staff nor pay big salaries,' she said. 'AI helps us do more work with fewer people.' For Shereen Karim (pictured left) learning how to streamline her work can save both money and time. Image: Shareen Kareem Karim especially appreciates that the trainings were designed for journalists like herself, who work in remote areas. 'I work in Gilgit-Baltistan,' she said. 'It will always be a challenge to run small media outlets in under -reported regions, so we're always looking out for trainings that help us find real solutions to our work.' The DW Akademie project is supported by Germany's Federal M inistry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
PM for enhanced cooperation with Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday stressed the urgent need for enhanced cooperation with Afghanistan, warning that Afghan soil must not be allowed to be used by Indian proxies to carry out terrorist activities against Pakistan. He made these remarks during a high-level visit to Peshawar, accompanied by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and key federal ministers for Defence, Interior, Information, and Kashmir and GB Affairs. Addressing a Grand Jirga of prominent tribal elders from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's firm resolve to eliminate Fitna-ul-Khawarij, an Indian-sponsored terrorist network, and praised the people of the region for their unmatched sacrifices in the fight for peace. 'The courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit of the Pakhtun people are a proud chapter in our national history,' the prime minister said, urging tribal elders to stand united in exposing and defeating extremist ideologies. He commended the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, police, and other law enforcement agencies for their dedicated efforts and sacrifices, vowing that peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be preserved at all costs. He also called on the youth of the province to play a constructive role in promoting national unity, development, and stability. The tribal elders appreciated the initiative, praising the leadership of both the prime minister and the COAS, and expressed strong support for the armed forces, particularly in the successful execution of Operation Bunya-numMarsoos. Earlier, the prime minister laid a wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada in Peshawar Cantonment, where he was received by the COAS and Corps Commander Peshawar. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz vows to resolve all issues concerning KP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday assured to address all issues concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Addressing a Jirga in Peshawar, he announced to form a committee to look into all the demands and issues raised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, according to a statement from Prime Minister's office. The Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, along with Federal Ministers of Defence, Interior, Information and Federal Minister for Kashmir & GB Affairs, visited Peshawar today. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) was also with PM on the visit to Peshawar. On arrival, CM & Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhawa welcomed the Prime Minister. During the visit, Prime Minister addressed a Grand Jirga attended by eminent tribal elders from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Governor and Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were also present at the occasion. In his address, the Prime Minister paid tributes to the indomitable spirit and historic sacrifices of the valiant Pakhtun people in their enduring quest for peace and stability. He remarked, 'The sacrifices rendered by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are indelibly inscribed in the annals of our national history. The entire nation salutes your courage, resolve, and unwavering commitment.' The Prime Minister called upon tribal elders to remain resolute in countering the Indian-sponsored Fitna-ul-Khawarij, and to expose its malignant ideology and deceitful narrative. Commending the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, Police, and other Law Enforcement Agencies for their exemplary service and sacrifices, the Prime Minister affirmed, 'Peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa shall be preserved at all costs. The Pakistan Army, in unison with all security institutions and the valiant people of the province, stands firmly united against the Fitna-ul-Khawarij and its foreign abettors.' Reiterating Pakistan's commitment to regional harmony, the Prime Minister stressed the imperative of enhanced bilateral cooperation with Afghanistan, and urged that Afghan soil must not be allowed to be used by Indian proxies to perpetrate terrorism against Pakistan. He further lauded the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a vital national asset, encouraging them to play a constructive role in advancing peace, opportunity, and national cohesion for future generations. The tribal elders warmly received the Prime Minister and the Chief of Army Staff, terming the Grand Jirga a significant and timely initiative. They expressed deep appreciation for the Armed Forces' professional excellence and unwavering resolve, particularly in the successful conduct of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. Earlier, the Prime Minister laid a wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada in Peshawar Cantonment. Upon arrival, he was received by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), and Corps Commander Peshawar.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Will have to build next gurukuls in Karachi and Lahore': Yoga guru Ramdev predicts Pakistan's collapse
NEW DELHI: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari made strong statements about Pakistan on Sunday, discussing the country's internal conflicts and military capabilities. They addressed Pakistan's current situation following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in 26 deaths, and the subsequent escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. Baba Ramdev expressed his views on Pakistan's internal stability and military preparedness against India. — ANI (@ANI) "Pakistan is going to break on its own. Pakhtun, the people of Balochistan, are demanding their independence. The situation in POK is even worse. It does not have the strength to fight India. It cannot stand against India even for four days in a war... I think that in a few days we will have to build the next Gurukul in Karachi and another in Lahore," said Ramdev. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thousands Are Saving Money Using This Wall Plug elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Click Here Undo Pradeep Bhandari addressed Pakistan's current situation and India's potential response to the Pahalgam attack. "Pakistan is convinced that it neither trusts its Army nor its defence preparedness. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India is poised to deliver a strong response to those orchestrating terror and turn the handlers of terror to dust," Bhandari said. Bhandari also called on the Congress party to support the national stance. "When there is fear even within Pakistan, Congress should also come forward and be a part of this national resolve. I hope Congress opens its eyes," he added. The tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in 26 casualties. The Modi government has granted complete operational freedom to the armed forces regarding the response strategy, including mode, targets, and timing. India has implemented several measures, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty, to signal its strong stance against Pakistan's support of cross-border terrorism. Pakistan's military is currently experiencing a severe shortage of artillery ammunition, limiting its combat capabilities to approximately four days. The ammunition shortage is linked to recent arms deals with Ukraine, which have depleted Pakistan's war reserves. Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), responsible for military supplies, has been unable to maintain adequate ammunition levels due to increased global demand and aging production facilities. The current ammunition reserves can only support 96 hours of intense conflict, creating a significant vulnerability in Pakistan's military preparedness.
Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
'Next gurukul in Karachi, Lahore': Baba Ramdev's take on India-Pakistan tension
Yoga guru and businessman Baba Ramdev on Sunday weighed in on the Pahalgam terror attack, saying Pakistan would crumble under its internal conflict and that it would not be able to fight a war with India for four days. In a jibe at Pakistan, Ramdev said he would have to open his gurukuls in Karachi and Lahore in the next few days. "Pakistan is going to break on its own. Pakhtun, the people of Balochistan, are demanding their independence. The situation in POK is even worse. It does not have the strength to fight India. It cannot stand against India even for four days in a war...I think that in a few days we will have to build the next gurukul in Karachi and another in Lahore," Ramdev said, speaking to the media. Meanwhile, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also slammed Pakistan and said that the neighbouring country has lost faith in its military and fears retaliation from India. Also read: Jammu and Kashmir: Security forces recover IEDs from busted terror hideout in Poonch "Pakistan is convinced that it neither trusts its Army nor its defence preparedness. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India is poised to deliver a strong response to those orchestrating terror and turn the handlers of terror to dust," he told ANI. Twenty-six people, mostly tourists, were killed in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. India has taken several strict actions against Pakistan. It has barred Pakistani aeroplanes from Indian airspace and cancelled the visas of Pakistani nationals, apart from suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. Rattled by India's tough stance against terrorism, Pakistan has said that New Delhi is planning a military strike. Meanwhile, according to ANI, Pakistan's military is facing a critical shortage of artillery ammunition, limiting its warfighting capabilities to just four days. The shortage is attributed to the country's recent arms deals with Ukraine, which have drained its war reserves. The UN Security Council will on Monday hold closed consultations on the situation between India and Pakistan. Pakistan had sought an emergency meeting on the issue.
