Muzaffarabad (The Azadi Times): A new chapter in media education and international collaboration has begun as Independent Urdu — the Urdu-language branch of the renowned British media organization The Independent — announced a partnership with the Department of Media and Communication Studies at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) in Pakistani-administered Kashmir to provide paid internship opportunities for its students.
Under this agreement, Independent Urdu will offer a six-week paid internship program for media graduates of the university. The initiative aims to provide aspiring journalists and media professionals with practical newsroom experience and an opportunity to learn modern reporting, production, and ethical journalism practices under professional supervision.
The announcement was made during a one-day workshop titled “Media Ethics” held on Tuesday at the Department of Media and Communication Studies, UAJK, in collaboration with Independent Urdu.
The workshop was attended by Haroon-ur-Rasheed, Senior Manager at Independent Urdu; Dr. Palwasha Khan Marwat, Project Consultant; and Fahad Mazhar, a senior video journalist associated with the organization. The session focused on promoting ethical journalism, verifying facts before reporting, and maintaining professional integrity in media practices.
“Adherence to Journalistic Ethics is Essential,” says Haroon-ur-Rasheed
Addressing the students, Haroon-ur-Rasheed emphasized that the need to uphold journalistic values is greater today than ever before.
“In an era of misinformation and digital noise, the implementation of journalistic ethics is crucial. Every journalist must verify the authenticity of a story from every possible angle before publishing it,” he said.
“Our reporting should never spread chaos or division within society. It is our moral and professional duty to ensure that journalism remains a source of truth and social responsibility.”
He further urged students to internalize the principles of fair reporting, objectivity, and accuracy — qualities that define credible journalism.
Independent Urdu Offers Practical Exposure to Media Students
Speaking at the event, Dr. Palwasha Khan Marwat, Project Consultant at Independent Urdu, said that the collaboration would open new doors for students of Azad Kashmir to engage with real-world journalism.
“We are offering a six-week paid internship program in which students will work in a different department each week,” she explained.
“This hands-on approach will enable them to gain experience in multiple aspects of journalism — from reporting and editing to digital media production — equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive media landscape.”
Dr. Marwat further stated that such initiatives not only strengthen academic learning but also help restore public confidence in the media by promoting ethical practices.
“The preservation of media values is our collective responsibility. Only through ethical journalism can we rebuild public trust and contribute to national development,” she added.
University Officials Praise Initiative, Call It a Milestone for Media Education
Coordinator of the Department of Media and Communication Studies, Dr. Shahida Khaleeq, expressed her gratitude to the Independent Urdu team for visiting the university and sharing their expertise with the students.
“This workshop has provided our students with valuable insights into practical journalism. They have learned about the real-world challenges journalists face and the standards they must uphold,” she said.
“Through this partnership, our students will now have access to professional internships with a major international media organization, giving them a rare opportunity to learn from experienced journalists.”
Dr. Khaleeq added that such collaborative training programs play a vital role in preparing young journalists for their professional careers and fostering a culture of ethical reporting.
University Extends Gratitude and Souvenirs Presented
At the closing session of the workshop, Dr. Nadeem Haider Bukhari, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, presented souvenirs to the Independent Urdu delegation on behalf of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir as a gesture of appreciation.
In return, Haroon-ur-Rasheed also presented souvenirs to Dr. Shahida Khaleeq and other faculty members of the Department of Media and Communication Studies in recognition of their contribution to the successful organization of the event.
Earlier in the day, Haroon-ur-Rasheed met with Dr. Nasir Jamal Khattak, Vice Chancellor of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, to discuss matters of mutual interest and explore future opportunities for collaboration between Independent Urdu and the university’s media department.
Both sides expressed a shared commitment to promoting media education, professional development, and ethical journalism among students in the region.
The partnership between Independent Urdu and the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir marks a significant step toward bridging the gap between academic media studies and professional journalism. It not only empowers young journalists from Azad Kashmir with real-world experience but also sets a new precedent for international collaboration in the field of media education.
Through such initiatives, the future generation of journalists in the region will gain the skills, discipline, and ethical foundation required to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s and Kashmir’s growing media landscape.
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