Empowering Journalists Against Fake News: Freedom Gate’s RTI Seminar in Lahore
In a decisive step toward strengthening media integrity in Pakistan, Freedom Gate organized a two-day seminar titled “Countering Fake News: Empowering Journalists Through the Right to Information” on December 26–27, 2024, at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Lahore. This initiative brought together 15 journalists from diverse media outlets across Punjab to build their capacity to counter misinformation and effectively utilize the Right to Information (RTI) laws.
The seminar aimed to equip journalists with the legislative know-how and practical tools to navigate Pakistan’s RTI landscape. By emphasizing investigative journalism grounded in verified data, the event reinforced the crucial role of fact-based reporting in strengthening democratic values and public accountability.
Mr. Muhammad Anwar, opened the seminar with an overview of the organization’s commitment to media development and transparency. The sessions were led by moderator Mr. Syed Raza Ali and co-moderator Ms. Tahira Habib, who guided participants through interactive workshops, case studies, and hands-on exercises. Journalists explored the historical evolution of RTI laws, particularly the Punjab Transparency and RTI Act 2013, and engaged in mock exercises on drafting information requests and identifying exemptions.
Participants were also introduced to fact-checking strategies in the face of rampant fake news, fostering a robust dialogue on media ethics and responsibility. The practical nature of the training inspired attendees to file actual information requests during the event—a powerful indicator of both knowledge transfer and motivation.
Beyond the learning outcomes, the event fostered a collaborative spirit by establishing a dedicated WhatsApp group for participants to continue sharing resources, stories, and support. The overwhelmingly positive feedback highlighted the event’s success in creating a supportive learning environment while sparking long-term journalistic collaboration.
