Freedom Gate Equips Karachi Journalists to Counter Fake News Through Right to Information
As misinformation and fake news continue to challenge the integrity of journalism, Freedom Gate took a powerful step forward by organizing a two-day seminar titled “Countering Fake News: Empowering Journalists Through the Right to Information” on December 23–24, 2024, at the Marriott Hotel, Karachi. The event gathered 35 journalists from across Sindh, focusing on sharpening their understanding of Pakistan’s RTI framework and arming them with the tools to combat disinformation.
The seminar opened with welcoming remarks from Mr. Muhammad Anwar, who framed the initiative within the foundation’s broader mission of strengthening democratic accountability and media ethics. Guided by experienced moderators Mr. Syed Raza Ali Shah and Mr. Ross Mahtani, the training mixed theoretical grounding with hands-on skill-building activities.
Participants explored the legislative landscape of RTI in Pakistan, with special attention to the Sindh Transparency and RTI Act 2016. Sessions included deep dives into the act’s key provisions, identification of exempted information, and practical exercises in filing information requests and appeals. A documentary on RTI's impact in Pakistan further enriched the participants’ perspective, while interactive group tasks helped translate legal knowledge into actionable skills.
One of the seminar’s highlights was the presence of Mr. Shahid Jatoi, Information Commissioner of the Sindh Information Commission. He stressed the Commission’s commitment to upholding the public’s right to know, revealing that 292 out of 360 complaints had been resolved—underscoring the RTI law’s real-world power when effectively used. Mr. Jatoi encouraged journalists to adopt RTI as a core tool in investigative reporting, especially on governance and public service issues.
The second day focused on the pervasive threat of fake news. Mr. Mahtani facilitated discussions around fact-checking strategies, verification methods, and ethical journalism. Participants worked in groups to connect news clippings with RTI applications, reinforcing how verified information can expose misinformation and enhance media credibility.
The seminar concluded with remarks from Member of Parliament Ms. Naz Baloch, who passionately called for a return to journalistic ethics and the values of “Unity, Faith, and Discipline.” She urged journalists to prioritize truth over sensationalism in the public interest.
A key outcome of the seminar was the establishment of a dedicated WhatsApp group to foster continued collaboration, idea exchange, and peer support among the participants. The overwhelmingly positive feedback—expressing appreciation for the practical insights and dynamic engagement—reflected the event’s success in fulfilling and exceeding its objectives.
By the close of the seminar, several participants had already filed RTI requests—a testament to the event’s immediate impact. Through initiatives like this, Freedom Gate continues to nurture a media landscape rooted in accountability, truth, and democratic empowerment.
