The grand National Debate on the Role of Media begin, with a large number of well known journalists, analysts, anchor persons and academicians from every corner of the country. A large number of experts having diverse opinions raised questions on the Pakistani media and analyzed in detail the current situation of our media industry.

A high number of dignitaries graced the occasion among which Syed Talat Hussain,  Waseem Badami, Ayaz Khan, Saleem Safi, Mujahid Baralvi, Mati Ullah Jan are a few to mention.

The day began with the inauguration of the Central Library in the Garden campus by Porf. Dr. Ihasn Ali, Vice Chancellor of Abdul Wali Kahn University. Syed Talat Hussain, renowned anchor person and analyst from Geo TV was also present in the inaugural ceremony.

The program started by the recitation of Holy Quran. After an introductory speech by Shiraz paracha,  Chairman , department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Prof. Dr Ihsan Ali formally welcome the worthy guests and gave them a roundup of the fast progress the university has made in  a short period of seven years. The vice chancellor shared his vision of the university and hoped to see AWKUM among the top ten universities of the country in a few years.

After the welcome address, the first session on ‘Journalism without a degree in journalism’ commenced which was moderated by Syed Talat Hussain. The panelists were Dr.Shah Syed  Jehan, Dr.  Zafar Iqbal, Mehwish Ali, some well known names of academia. They were also joined by Masoom Rizvi and saeed Khawar. The participants discussed in detail whether a good journalist needs a degree in Mass communication in which every participant shared his/her expert opinion. The students of the Journalism took keen interest in the debate and the session was highly interactive.

After a coffee break, the second session on Media Ethics proceeded which was hosted by Waseem Badami Executive Producer Bol TV. He was accompanied by Pervez Khan, Lecturer KUST, Mati Ullah Jan, Anchorperson Waqt TV, Javed Iqbal Capital TV and Ayaz Khan, Group Editor Express News. Media ethics is an emerging issue all over the world.  The brainstorming session lasted for almost two hours in which the panelists responded to the queries of audience. The reforms which the Pakistani media should adopt were pointed out and it was suggested that media should be much careful while dealing with the sensitive issues. The marathon for the breaking news, the images of violence, and the live coverage of the suicide attacks and the blind struggle for the ratings were on the top of the list. The positive role of which our media is playing was also discussed.

The third session on Selling Wars and Conflicts was moderated by well known anchor person Mujahid Barelvi. Saleem Safi, who needs no introduction, Fakhar Kakakhel, Owais Tauheed, Sabah Shiraz, Rauf Tahir took part in the discussion on the sensitive issue.  Challenges to the reporters in the conflict zones like KP and Balochistan was discussed in detail as most of the panelists were   those who actually worked in war zones. Sabah Shiraz, a panelist from UK highlighted the biasness of western media towards muslims.