Empowering Journalists: Countering Fake News Through the Right to Information
In contemporary times, where misinformation spreads rapidly, Freedom Gate took a significant step in strengthening journalistic integrity by organizing the two-day workshop, "Countering Fake News: Empowering Journalists Through the Right to Information," on September 7-8, 2024, at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Lahore. The workshop equipped journalists with the knowledge and skills to leverage the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013, to enhance transparency and investigative reporting.
Muhammad Anwar, Head of FreedomGate, opened the event by emphasizing the critical role of journalists in utilizing RTI laws to uphold credibility. Syed Raza Ali Shah, the workshop’s lead moderator, provided an in-depth analysis of Pakistan’s legislative landscape, guiding participants on accessing public information alongside stressing their responsibility in ensuring transparency and accountability.
Interactive sessions allowed participants to draft and file RTI requests, explore the legal framework surrounding information access, and connect governance issues with investigative journalism. Former Punjab Information Commission Member Saeed Akhtar Ansari shed light on the commission’s role in facilitating RTI, while Ubaid ur Rehman Khan highlighted the significance of critical thinking in combating misinformation.
The event concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony led by Uzma Kardar, Member of the Provincial Assembly Punjab, who urged journalists to integrate RTI tools into their reporting to challenge fake news effectively. With 37 journalists, activists, and media students in attendance, the workshop successfully fostered a culture of accountability and truth-seeking within Pakistan’s media landscape. Participants praised the initiative and expressed a strong desire for more training sessions to further develop their investigative reporting skills.
FreedomGate remains committed to empowering journalists by equipping them with the necessary tools to combat misinformation and promote transparency in governance. By fostering a network of RTI-trained media professionals, the organization aims to strengthen investigative journalism and uphold the public’s right to accurate information. This initiative not only enhances media integrity but also reinforces democratic values by ensuring citizens have access to reliable, fact-based reporting. Through continued training and collaboration, FreedomGate is paving the way for a more informed and accountable society.
