By Dr. Ansab Ali
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: A five-day media training workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Journalistic Safety, and Inclusive Journalism, organized by the Women Media Center Pakistan, concluded in Lahore after equipping women journalists, media practitioners, and aspiring female journalists with modern skills to meet the evolving demands of the media industry.

Held from July 27 to July 31, 2026, at a local hotel, the programme brought together female media students, working journalists, and women interested in pursuing careers in journalism. The workshop focused on strengthening participants’ professional capacities through practical training in emerging media technologies and ethical journalism.

Director General Public Relations (DGPR) Punjab, Sheikh Farid Ahmed, attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest and distributed certificates among the participants.

Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Farid Ahmed said the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has made the welfare, protection, and empowerment of women a key policy priority. He highlighted several initiatives introduced for women, including modern daycare centres for working mothers, safe transportation facilities, the Chief Minister Women Empowerment Package, Pink Games, the Pink Scooty Programme, expansion of working women hostels, promotion of vocational and digital skills, entrepreneurship support, financial assistance, and improved healthcare and education facilities.

He said these initiatives aim to strengthen women’s economic and social participation while ensuring a safe and dignified working environment.

The DGPR added that, under the guidance of Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Zahid Bukhari, the Information and Culture Department has also introduced several women-friendly initiatives. These include upgrading the daycare centre at the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) and increasing opportunities for women professionals within the department.

According to Sheikh Farid Ahmed, nearly 50 percent of recruitments in the department’s Digital Media Wing have been reserved for women, while a significant number of female interns are receiving hands-on training in digital media, public relations, and strategic communications.

He encouraged participants to continue their education beyond undergraduate studies, pursue postgraduate and doctoral qualifications, and complement academic learning with practical field experience. Stressing the importance of women’s education, he said educated women play a vital role in shaping future generations and contributing to national development.

Responding to participants’ questions, the DGPR urged young journalists to use modern technology, including artificial intelligence, as a professional tool rather than becoming overly dependent on it. He also encouraged them to cultivate reading habits, uphold ethical journalism, and demonstrate their commitment to the country through responsible reporting.

He praised the Women Media Center Pakistan for organizing the training programme and commended the Karachi-based trainers for providing practical and relevant instruction to the participants.

Throughout the workshop, participants received hands-on training in the use of artificial intelligence in journalism, digital and online safety, ethical reporting, fact-checking, and inclusive journalism, enabling them to enhance their professional competencies in an increasingly digital media environment.

The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates to participants in recognition of their successful completion of the five-day training workshop.