By Adnan Rafique
ISLAMABAD: National media institutions and the development sector must forge stronger partnerships to promote informed public discourse on Pakistan’s key development challenges and equip journalists with specialized knowledge to effectively report on emerging policy issues.
This shared vision emerged during an extensive meeting between a delegation of the National Press Club (NPC), Islamabad, and the leadership of Freedom Gate Prosperity (FGP) at the FGP’s office in Islamabad.
The NPC delegation was warmly received by Muhammad Anwar, CEO of FGP; prominent business leader and trainer Tauseef Zaman; FGP Board Member and senior broadcaster Urooj Raza Sayyami; senior journalist and Strategic Advisor Shafqat Aziz; and Dr. Shahbaz Tariq, Head of Economy at FGP.
Welcoming the delegation, Muhammad Anwar highlighted the growing importance of evidence-based dialogue and constructive engagement between media, policymakers and development organizations.
He said FGP is committed to serving as a bridge among public institutions, the media, academia and the development sector to promote informed policymaking and inclusive national development.
He also emphasized the need for joint capacity-building initiatives to strengthen reporting on economic, social and environmental issues.
President of NPC, Abdul Razzaq Sial appreciated FGP’s multidimensional work and stressed that the media has a vital responsibility to bring development issues into the national mainstream. He said journalists require continuous exposure to emerging subjects such as climate change, economic reforms, governance, artificial intelligence and sustainable development so they can better inform the public and contribute to constructive national discourse.
Earlier, Urooj Raza Sayyami outlined potential avenues of collaboration between the National Press Club and FGP, including thematic dialogues, professional development programmes, media fellowships and specialized training workshops focusing on governance, climate resilience, economic development and emerging public policy issues.
Business leader Tauseef Zaman observed that an informed media plays a pivotal role in strengthening economic confidence and encouraging innovation. He noted that greater interaction between business leaders, development practitioners and journalists can help promote evidence-based discussions on entrepreneurship, investment and economic growth.
Senior journalist and FGP Advisor Shafqat Aziz highlighted the growing need for specialized reporting on climate change, environmental sustainability and development policy.
He emphasized that strengthening journalists’ understanding of these topics through structured engagement and training has become more important than ever.
