Lahore – 31 May 2010 – The Lahore Press Club (LPC) and Mishal Pvt. Limited (MISHAL) have signed a memorandum of understanding on capacity building and training initiatives at the Lahore Press Club today. The MoU envisages of empowering the media by capacity building initiatives for the members of the LPC by creating learning platform through interactive workshops, seminars and courses on specific sectors. Both the organizations will identify the gaps in the reporting structures and building the capacity of the journalists for creating opportunities according to the new tools of global communications.

Both LPC and Mishal will create a knowledge exchange platform; whereby media exchange programs will be developed to build synergies in the field of journalism and technical knowhow. Mishal will develop a framework on journalism/media recognition awards in consultation with NPC. The awards will be developed according to the areas of activities of LPC as well as on national level media and journalism initiatives. MISHAL in collaboration with LPC will also develop an annual report on the “State of Media in Pakistan”.

According to the details of the MoU initiatives for the empowerment and mainstreaming of media professionals will be undertaken by creating a hybrid pool of resources for knowledge sharing. Identifying the gaps in the reporting structures and building the capacity of the journalists for creating opportunities according to the new tools of global communications. MISHAL in collaboration with LPC will develop communication collateral on the achievements of the members of LPC. Mishal will also develop a special social media platform for the members of LPC to create a knowledge sharing platform, based on experience and information collaboration.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Sarmad Bashir, President Lahore Press Club said, the Lahore Press Club has been functional pre-partition and it is the representative body of more than 100 journalists based in Lahore, it also caters for the journalists visiting Lahore from other parts of the country as well as international journalists visiting Pakistan.

Mr. Bashir appreciated Mishal for taking this land mark initiative, which is for the first of its kind in the history of media development in the country that such an opportunity will be available for the media person to enhance their capacity and ability to report and discharge their professional duties. He further said that, LPC will facilitate MISHAL in identifying the areas/sectors for capacity building of its members. LPC will also share its knowledge-based resources in developing the annual report on the State of Media in Pakistan. LPC will also encourage its members to actively take part in the joint initiatives of LPC and MISHAL.

Mr. Amir Jahangir, CEO for Mishal Pvt. Limited appreciated LPC for reposing confidence in Mishal and becoming a partner for a wide-range of activities to empower the media professionals through media trainings, interactive workshops and sector-wise content development trainings for the journalists. He further said, MISHAL will finance technical consultancy for the development of social media platform to create the knowledge-based initiatives for the journalists. MISHAL will develop the media exchange program through a transparent selection process in consultation with LPC. MISHAL in collaboration with LPC will also identify the gaps in the curriculum of Mass Communication/Journalism and Media Studies and will provide a guideline to the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan for improvements in the curriculum to develop the capacity of the media industry.

Mr. Jahangir has been recognized as the Young Global Leader for 2010 by the World Economic Forum for creating initiatives for sustainable development of the media sector in Pakistan. He is also the programme advisor to Stanford Research Center of Innovation Journalism on Global media and Journalism in Pakistan.

Mr. Munem Farooqui, Coordinator for the Lahore Press Club said that, this is an important event for LPC, which will create great opportunities for the media persons in the Lahore and the Punjab region. This will especially recognize the hard work and the professionalism of the LPC members.

The event was attended by the office bearers of LPC, who also supported the idea of innovation through collaboration.

The National Press Club (NPC), Islamabad and Mishal Pvt. Limited (MISHAL) have signed a memorandum of understanding on capacity building and training initiatives at the National Press Club. The MoU envisages of empowering the media by capacity building initiatives for the members of the NPC through interactive workshops, seminars and courses on specific sectors. Both the parties will identify the gaps in the reporting structures and building the capacity of the journalists for creating opportunities according to the new tools of global communications.

Both NPC and Mishal will create a knowledge exchange platform; whereby media exchange programs will be developed to build synergies in the field of journalism and technical know-how. Mishal will develop a framework on journalism/media recognition awards in consultation with NPC. The awards will be developed according to the areas of activities of NPC as well as on national level media and journalism initiatives. MISHAL in collaboration with NPC will also develop an annual report on the “State of Media in Pakistan”.

According to the details of the MoU initiatives for the empowerment and mainstreaming of media professionals will be undertaken by creating a hybrid pool of resources for knowledge sharing. Identifying the gaps in the reporting structures and building the capacity of the journalists for creating opportunities according to the new tools of global communications. MISHAL in collaboration with NPC will develop communication collateral on the achievements of the members of NPC. Mishal will also develop a special social media platform for the members of NPC to create a knowledge society, based on experience and information sharing.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Afzal Butt, President National Press Club said, the National Press Club is the representative body of more than 2500 journalists based in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, it also caters for the journalists visiting Islamabad from other parts of the country as well as international journalists visiting Pakistan. Mr. Butt appreciated Mishal for taking this land mark initiative, which is for the first of its kind in the history of media development in the country that such an opportunity will be available for the media person to enhance their capacity and ability to report and discharge their professional duties. He further said that, NPC will facilitate MISHAL in identifying the areas/sectors for capacity building of its members. NPC will also share its knowledge-based resources in developing the annual report on the State of Media in Pakistan. NPC will also encourage its members to actively take part in the joint initiatives of NPC and MISHAL.

Mr. Amir Jahangir, CEO for Mishal Pvt. Limited appreciated NPC for reposing confidence in Mishal and becoming a partner for a wide-range of activities to empower the media professionals through media trainings, interactive workshops and sector-wise content development trainings for the journalists. He further said, MISHAL will finance technical consultancy for the development of social media platform to create the knowledge-based initiatives for the journalists. MISHAL will develop the media exchange program through a transparent selection process in consultation with NPC. MISHAL in collaboration with NPC will also identify the gaps in the curriculum of Mass Communication/Journalism and Media Studies and will provide a guideline to the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan for improvements in the curriculum to develop the capacity of the media industry. Mr. Jahangir has been recognized as the Young Global Leader for 2010 by the World Economic Forum for creating initiatives for sustainable development of the media sector in Pakistan. He is also the programme adviser to Stanford Research Center of Innovation Journalism on Global media and Journalism in Pakistan.

Mr. Zamir Haider, Chairman Capacity Building and Training Committee of the National Press Club said that, this is an important event for NPC, which will create great opportunities for the media persons in the Islamabad and Rawalpindi region. This will especially recognize the hard work and the professionalism of the NPC members.

The event was attended by the office bearers of NPC and visiting office bearers of other press clubs/media associations and journalists from other parts of the country including, WANA, Daradam Khel, various parts of interior Sindh and Baluchistan.

Geneva, Switzerland, 4 May 2010 – Pakistan was represented by the three dynamic Young Global Leaders; Kasim Kasuri (YGL 2009), Umar Saif and Amir Jahangir (both YGL 2010) at the 7th Young Global Leaders Summit which is taking place in Dar es Salaam from 2 to 7 May in conjunction with the World Economic Forum on Africa.

It is the largest gathering of YGLs since the foundation was created in 2004.

Over 265 Young Global Leaders from over 70 countries representing business, government, civil society, arts & culture, academia, media and social entrepreneurs will participate. Among the registered YGLs, 45 are Africans, including Minister of Home Affairs Lawrence Kego Masha of Tanzania, Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara of Zimbabwe, and Minister of International Cooperation, Town and Country Planning, Air Transport and Infrastructure Karim Wade of Senegal.
In line with previous YGL Summits, the objectives will be to reinforce the three pillars of the YGL community (community building, generating insight and undertaking collective action). YGLs will have an opportunity to connect Tanzanian experiences with global issues and to understand the underlying development environment on the African continent.

Of the two-and-a-half-day Summit, one day will be devoted to “Impact Journeys”, which will give YGLs the opportunity to work with Tanzanian government, civil society and private sector organizations on their challenges, innovations and models for social change. The premise of the Impact Journeys is that boundaries are blurred between the public, private and civil society sectors, and the key solutions to global challenges are much more likely to come about from a blended, integrated approach. Thus, YGLs will visit organizations on 3 May to engage in a dialogue on the various issues that these organizations face and to understand the ecosystem in which the issues and the myriad of actors exist. They will identify possible leverage points at which the various actors can work together to promote positive change.

Following the journeys, YGLs will participate in specific sessions and workshops on innovation, entrepreneurship, measuring impact and empowering change. The programme is also designed to give the YGLs time to realign and advance their YGL task forces and initiatives.

Islamabad, PK – 15 April, 2010 – The Board of Directors of Mishal (Pvt.) Limited appointed Amir Jahangir as the Chief Executive Officer to run the Mishal as the new source of media and communications solutions entity.

Mr. Jahangir has re-joined Mishal after he left it in August 2008, when he took over the charge of Jaag Broadcasting Systems (Pvt.) Limited, which runs SAMAA TV in Pakistan. Mr. Jahangir is the founder and was the Chief Strategy Officer for Mishal from 2003 to 2008.

During his association of more than 5 years with Mishal, Mr. Jahangir was able to position the company as the leading strategic communication and media solution provider in the country. He was able to successfully create a portfolio of clients which included; various projects of the United States Agency for International Development, the Competitiveness Support Fund, a joint initiative of USAID and the Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Initiative for Strategic Development and Competitiveness, ATCO Frontec, Canada for NATO’s work in the earthquake affected areas, Government of Pakistan with its core economic ministries and etc.

Mr. Jahangir during his association with SAMAA TV earned numerous awards and recognition for the organization. His initiatives of 1st Media Scholarship Programme with the Higher Education Commission and a National Inter-University Documentary Competition; “Cultivating Hope against Extremism; Empowering the Youth of Pakistan” earned him the honour of Young Global Leader for 2010 by the World Economic Forum in earlier this year.

Mr. Jahangir also successfully initiated the National Polio Control Cell to eradicate Polio from Pakistan, an initiative recognized at both national as well as international forums as a benchmark for constructive journalism to improve the healthcare delivery mechanism and empowering the citizens to demand their right for quality healthcare.

The initiative of Mr. Jahangir earned SAMAA TV the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Excellence Award in Concern for Health. This made Pakistan to be the 1st country in Asia to have a broadcaster to win such a prestigious award.

Mr. Jahangir has termed his new role at Mishal (Pvt.) Limited as a new incarnation for him to create value for the stakeholders by building the capacity of the media to report boldly, accurately and responsibly.

Karachi, PK – 8 April, 2010 – Amir Jahangir announced his resignation from JAAG Broadcasting Systems (Pvt.) Limited, which runs SAMAA TV today.

Mr. Jahangir announced his parting of ways from SAMAA as a step towards creating initiatives both at domestic as well as international level to improving the state of media in the ever changing media scene.

“I will be looking forward to my friends and peers in the industry to create opportunities both within and outside of Pakistan to improve the standards of media production, news reporting and the new role of media in the age of convergence”.

Amir Jahangir selected among the world’s Top 10 Media Professionals of the Year through public nomination.

Valencia, 20 April 2010– Amir Jahangir, one of Pakistan’s most promising media professionals marked history today by becoming the first Pakistani to be selected in the world top 10 media professionals of the year 2010. The announcement was made at the International Festival of Media in Valencia, Spain.

The Festival, now in its fourth year, comprised of a two day
conference with leading industry speakers, an exhibition of new media opportunities and a global awards ceremony showcasing the best creative media thinking and unrivalled networking opportunities.
This year, a new award, Media Professional of the Year for 2010 was also announced. This award was announced to celebrate the talents, skills and professionalism of an individual working in the global media industry in the previous 12 months. A shortlist was created through public nominations, which were sent in over the past 2 months from around the globe.

The people listed as the most popular nominees for this prestigious title were: Barry Cupples, CEO Asia Pacific, Omnicom Media Group, Maria Luisa Francoli, Global CEO, MPG Jack Klues, Managing Partner, VivaKi, Amir Jahangir, Former CEO, Samaa TV, Antonio Lucio, CMO, VISA, Tyler Moebius, CEO Adconion, Rani Raad, SVP Ad Sales, CNN International, Babs Rangaiah, VP Global Communications, Unilever and Mauricio Sabogal, WW Managing Director, Initiative

This year the award winning jury selected Jack Klues, Managing Partner of Vivaki as the Media Professional of the year 2010. The award was announced at the award gala dinner, which also included various other global awards for best practices in communication and media. More than 20 winning categories were announced including Best Communications Strategy, Best Targeted Campaign, Award for Media Bravery, Best Use of Content and the Best Use of Mobile.

Speaking on the nomination for media professional of the year award, Amir Jahangir said “It is a great honor to be nominated for this prestigious award, especially since this is a community driven nomination and carries the importance of public opinion. Pakistan, being a developing country and facing immense socio-economic and national security challenges, the role of media has become even more important. I believe Pakistani media needs to create content which is public driven and solution oriented, so that our people can see a better tomorrow in the times to come”.

Amir Jahangir said that the time has come to create a new media age in Pakistan, which does not base its business success on cash value only but also aims at creating social dividends.

Amir Jahangir has previously also received many national and international awards for his remarkable leadership in changing the paradigm of media in Pakistan. He has recently been honored as the Young Global Leader 2010 by the World Economic Forum for positioning the media as a watchdog on social challenges and for creating innovative communication models to address the prevailing socio-economic issues in Pakistan. Amir Jahangir was also selected as the Program Advisor to the Vinnova-Stanford Center for Innovation Journalism at the Stanford University on Global Media and Journalism in Pakistan.

The festival was attended by of all leading media and advertising professionals across the world, who annually meet to discuss the trends and challenges of the media industry and celebrate the media talent. The Festival of Media it’s an established fixture in the global media communications and advertising calendar. The people who attended the Festival were provided an essential opportunity to focus on the radical changes taking place in the communications business.

Amir Jahangir, who after completing almost 2 successful years as the Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV, Pakistan’s leading news channel, shared that he will now be taking up new challenges of media development in Pakistan. Speaking on his future role, Amir said that he will now be working on media development from a national perspective by carrying out capacity building initiatives for media professionals and benchmarking the industry with international standards. Amir said that his dream is to see Pakistani media professionals working side by side with international media professionals and make Pakistani media talent integrate into the international media scene – a dream which Amir says can be a reality very soon. He also shared that he will be creating initiatives for the media professionals and journalists, so that they can improve their work standards and content with international media standards and create a competitive and innovative media workforce from Pakistan.

The Festival of Media was launched in 2007 in Venice, as the world’s first global festival of media creativity. The Festival was launched in response to the beginning of a new advertising era and shaped in consultation with the industry. Each year the festival showcases creative and effective use of media, as well as media owner innovation. The Festival of Media Awards is a unique media event as it recognizes that media expertise no longer resides in a single location. Entrants for the awards come from a variety of organizations – from the obvious suspects like media agencies, full service agencies, specialist digital agencies and advertisers to unique outfits such as social network application developers, mobile agencies, content creators, production companies, rights holders, music and sports specialists. The agenda for the Festival continues to develop in consultation with the industry – ensuring that it both remains relevant to the core delegation and attracts a new audience, reflecting the new opportunities that are developing for creative, effective media communication.

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FOMA Selects Amir Jahangir Among The Media Professional of The Year

This new Award for 2010 aims to celebrate the talents, skills and professionalism of an individual working in the global media industry in the previous 12 months.

A shortlist has been created through public nominations, which have been sent in over the past 2 months from around the globe. The people listed below are the most popular nominees and will now be considered by the Festival of Media Awards Jury, who will choose the winner:

Joseph M Bihlmier

VP Global Media, American Express

“Awesome and open-minded leader of the AMEX Media International Team. He leads 22 countries around the world, including the Mexico agencies team. He inspires and challenges the local teams to deliver the best for the benefit of the brand. He recognizes teamwork and he’s always supporting local teams when planning and buying media. Media innovation is always well received by him.”

Barry Cupples

CEO Asia Pacific, Omnicom Media Group

“Barry is not only an unstoppable force, but a visionary and motivating individual. He relentlessly asks for a better way, and consistently supports his teams and people to be different and better. He challenges the norm and the status quo, and he has a winning attitude that permeates his teams. He is fair, and listens to all sides, and is never afraid to fight for what’s right. He delivers for the clients and the company and the people, all at the same time. He is also humble, and never dictates respect. Instead he gains it by walking the talk. He is a brilliant and visionary professional to learn from and aspire to.”

Maria Luisa Francoli

Global CEO, MPG

“Maria Luisa is and always has been an innovator. Her foresight created and drove the stellar success of Media Contacts, and steers MPG on a daily basis. Maria Luisa is a total Pro and an impeccable communicator. Basic qualities that make her a leader with integrity, and quite unique in today’s business environment.”

Jack Klues

Managing Partner, VivaKi

“Jack has continued to lead and transform the media business from the inception of Starcom as an unbundled media service to the formation of VivaKi which represents the next iteration of our business. His ability to design organizations around consumers vs. simply being a bulk buyer has lead to differentiation focus on planning and now digital media leadership. SMG being named Media Agency of the decade is testament to his leadership.”

Amir Jahangir

CEO, Samaa TV

“Amir Jahangir, by far the most diverse media head in Pakistan is a visionary who believes that broadcast media has a responsibility far more than just providing people with credible data . With programs like Innovation which was awarded at the Vinnoa Stanford to awareness campaigns on polio and granting higher education to deserving students intending to attain degrees in Media and Journalism . It is also by far the only media company which believes in promoting women and highlighting their issues. Amir is a delight to work with, a progressive thinker who believes in promoting people with potential and talent.”

Antonio Lucio

CMO, VISA

“Antonio is a true thought leader who is always pushing for the big idea — and ensures it is executed flawlessly. Big ideas are easy to talk about — but difficult to do. He demands and appreciates innovation from his partners which serves as inspiration to those he works with.”

Tyler Moebius

CEO, Adconion

“Tyler was responsible for driving Adconion to where it is today: an ‘audience aggregator’ that brings brands and content together with relevant audiences. Tyler’s developed a new strategy for the company that sees Adconion taking content from film, music, TV and video platforms and working collaboratively with publishers and brands to achieve great things through online video advertising.”

Rani Raad

VP Ad Sales, CNN International

“Rani deserves to be Media Professional of the Year for continually pushing the boundaries in the advertising arena internationally from new bureaux in the Middle East to expanding sponsorships outside of the “multi-platform” or “social networking” arena to forward thinking, influential and inspiring partnerships like Lotus Formula One partnerships. All of the above change the way the world views international media brands from boring and stagnant true innovators.”

Babs Rangaiah

VP Global Communications, Unilever

“Babs is a media visionary, one of the few industry professionals who is not only thoroughly grounded in traditional media fundamentals but has also grasped the digital world with abandon. He is an extremely creative and insightful thinker, has been a thought leader in the industry and has been a change agent and pioneer throughout his remarkable career. Most recently, he has helped drive the transformation in Unilever’s approach to the communications space.”

Mauricio Sabogal

WW Managing Director, Initiative

“A true innovator in the media, new media and media waiting to be created arena, his leadership talent enables him to get the best out of everyone working with him, and to make things happen, all the way from structure to ideas to execution.”

Amir Jahangir Honored as Young Global Leader 2010 by WEF

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has announced its Young Global Leaders (YGLs) for 2010. The honor, bestowed each year by the Forum, recognizes and acknowledges up to 200 outstanding young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.

For this year, the Forum has selected 197 YGLs from 72 countries and all stakeholders of society (business, civil society, social entrepreneurs, politics & government, arts & culture, and opinion & media). The new class represents all regions: East Asia (43), South Asia (21), Europe (46), Middle East and North Africa (14), sub-Saharan Africa (17), North America (38) and Latin America (18). This year’s selection has more gender parity than ever, with 38% women.

This year, Pakistan has been awarded with a total of five Young Global Leader awards. They are: Hamid Yar Hiraj, Minister of State for Commerce, Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV, one of Pakistan’s leading private news channels, Syed Mustafa Kamal, Mayor of Karachi, Muhammad Tabba, CEO Lucky Cement and Umar Saif, Founder of Saif Center for Innovation.

“The World Economic Forum is a true multi-stakeholder community of global decision-makers in which the Young Global Leaders represent the voice for the future and the hopes of the next generation. The diversity of the YGL community and its commitment to shaping a better future through action-oriented initiatives of public interest is even more important at a time when the world is in need of new energy to solve intractable challenges,” said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum.

Among the 2010 honorees, Hamid Yar Hiraj brings with him a vast experience of International Finance, Economics, Immigration Law and Politics. His strong governmental leadership has played an important role in contributing to the national economy through trade liberalization and facilitation, improving export competiveness and reducing cost of doing business.

Hiraj is also known for leading the way towards achieving higher market access for Pakistani products in existing markets as well as new markets with ultimate aim of improving quality of life of the people of Pakistan.

The selection of Amir Jahangir has been based on his profound leadership quality in carrying out innovative communication models addressing socio-economic issues and improving Pakistan’s competitiveness. His previous work with the Competitiveness Support Fund, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), established to reposition Pakistan economy on a more global competitive footing, resulted in building the capacity of Pakistani media in joint collaboration with the Innovation Journalism Program at Stanford University, California, USA. CSF is a partner institution of WEF.

Jahangir also developed the first ever strategy for the Executive Opinion Survey in joint collaboration with Harvard Business School. His strategy aimed at engaging academia into the indicator ranking of competitiveness and has ensured that both the soft and hard data of Pakistan is accurately reported to the WEF and improve Pakistan’s global competitiveness ranking. His communication strategies have contributed immensely in creating awareness on innovation and competitiveness in Pakistan along with his landmark initiatives in media aimed at promoting responsible reporting and solution-oriented programs based on the voice of marginalized communities.

Speaking on the occasion, Arthur Bayhan, Chief Executive Officer of CSF said: “Pakistan is, despite the many current security and socio-economic challenges, a country of opportunities. We need to focus on creating partnerships and programs which will instill sustainability in the national development plan for which we need inspiring young leaders, who can take on this responsibility and contribute through their expertise and skills. These young leaders will also serve as an inspiration to the new generation to strive towards economic growth and national excellence”.

The selection committee comprised the world’s top professionals and was chaired by Her Majesty ueen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

This honor is bestowed by the WEF each year to recognize the most distinguished young leaders nominated below the age of 40 from around the world.

The selections were carried out after carefully screening more than 5000 profiles of young leaders from every region of the world and from a myriad of disciplines and sectors.

The selected YGL honorees will be joining The Forum of Young Global Leaders as active community members. The YGL community forms a unique global network of peers from diverse backgrounds and fields, with a highly visible opportunity to significantly impact world affairs and shape the global agenda.

Every year the Young Global Leaders participate in annual summits where approximately 200 YGLs from around the globe meet to learn with each other and from each other within a global network of peers. The Forum of YGL organizes regular events throughout the year including the YGL Summits, which provide an opportunity for fellow YGLs to meet, share ideas and discuss ways to collectively shape the future.

The Kennedy School Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century Module provides a convening opportunity for the YGLs to gain critical skills and knowledge in key issue areas as well as leadership skills. This year the 2010 YGL Annual Summit will take place in Tanzania from May 2-7.

“Pakistan is facing its greatest challenge because today’s enemy lies within the distorted hearts and minds of people – we need to treat the heart and minds of these people who have been misguided and are brain washed; only then can we fight this war with full force”, said Syed Kamal Shah.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and SAMAA TV held the first of a series of seminars on the project titled “Cultivating Hope” at the National University for Science and Technology (NUST) Islamabad, the seminars are part of the launch of Pakistan’s first national inter-university documentary competition on extremism, which is a joint initiative of HEC and SAMAA TV.

The seminar included the participation of prominent representatives from the Public Sector, ISPR, Academia and development organizations. More than 250 participants including students were part of the interactive Q&A session, which allowed the youth to ask questions, debate and analyze the current socio-political situation of Pakistan and conveyed the leaders on how the youth envisions its role and future.

Keynote speaker Syed Kamal Shah, Former Federal Secretary Interior, who was also the chief guest noted that “the actual challenge for us as a nation is how to treat the hearts and minds of these people who have been misguided and brainwashed into seeing the people of Pakistan as their enemy. We therefore need to focus on the real education of our people and provide them with the basic amenities so that they are not lured into these devious acts due to poverty, society pressures or lack of guidance”.

Mr. Shah strongly focused on the support for educational development in the region, and the importance of security in pursuing economic opportunities for individual citizens and the region.

The leading panel of guest speakers also included Brigadier Professor Mowadat Rana, Director, Centre for Trauma Research and Psychosocial Interventions, Armed Forces Institute of Mental Health, who on a daily basis deals with extreme behavior personalities and addressed the issue from a professional and human perspective. Brigadier Rana spoke on how the human mind is easily affected through visuals and constant brain storming on a selected topic, which enables the mind to think in only one perspective without realizing the negative aspects.

The project “Cultivating Hope” focus on empowering the youth to look into the measures, impact and results of extremism, which will not only strengthen their minds to take distance to such thinking and behavior but to also play a role in educating their peers and surroundings on the horror of terrorism. The Cultivating Hope initiative will also promote the visual and liberal arts in the country’s education sphere as a form of creative expression and ideas.

The seminar brought together various universities in the Capital City and Rawalpindi through the facility of video conferencing. All students eagerly participated in the Q&A Session and were very open in their thoughts about Pakistan’s alarming situation and the urgent need to encourage the public to keep their spirits high and carry out counter initiatives against extremism.

Speaking on the occasion Amir Jahangir, CEO of SAMAA TV said “the media’s role is to cultivate hope and the media, must play its part as the catalyst for change and address the menace of extremism and terrorism in our great country.

He further added, “All stakeholders need to come forward and help in creating employment opportunities to our youth to safeguard the future of the nation. By providing a healthy and competitive environment to our youth, we can help eliminate the increasing frustration among them and empower them to make a better and prosperous future for themselves and prevent them from becoming victims of a disillusioned religion and political game,”

Son of Late (Shaheed) Major General Bilal Omer, Arsalan Omer Khan also spoke on the brave acts of his father, who became one of the victims in the recent incident in a mosque in Rawalpindi on Friday 04 December 2009, where terrorists killed more than 40 people and injured 83. The victims included leading army officers and their children who were in the mosque for the Friday prayers. Arsalan encouraged all not to call these people terrorists but cowards and stay united and break down the environment in which these people breed.

In his concluding remarks the Engr Muhammad Asghar, Rector NUST said, “the youth has to play a pivotal role and bring the positive change, as all the religions promote education and innovation, and NUST ensures both. He acknowledged the efforts of HEC and SAMAA TV for Cultivating Hope.”

HEC and SAMAA TV have called out for documentaries on various themes of extremism through all HEC affiliated universities across Pakistan. According to the partnership, the top three winners of the documentary competition will be awarded prizes amounting to Rs. 1,000,000, Rs. 500,000 and Rs. 300,000. They will also be offered a one-year job contract with SAMAA TV after completing their academic degrees.

SAMAA TV is one of Pakistan’s leading private satellite television channels, which takes pride in its fair, factual and independent news coverage through its on-the-hour bulletins, breaking stories, incisive political analysis and current affairs programs. The channel is the first media channel is Pakistan to have established a well-integrated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program as part of it business activities. SAMAA TV’s CSR program carries various initiatives within health, education, environment and outreach programs focusing on improving the socio-economic situation of Pakistan.

The channel has also made a niche for itself through its programs on women and youth issues besides infotainment and sports. SAMAA TV, launched in December 2007 has network of district correspondents and five bureaus across Pakistan along with international stringers in the Middle East, Europe and North America.

The Asian Forum on Corporate Social
Responsibility (AFCSR) announced the winners of the AFCSR Award 2009
at a grand gala award ceremony held in Manila, Philippines. Pakistan
marked a new page in the history of Corporate Social Responsibility by
receiving the excellence award in CSR. The award was received by SAMAA
TV for its Concern for Health initiatives.

List of winners at AFCSR 2009

Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive SAMAA TV, while moderating the session on innovations in CSR in
developed and developing countries shared the dire need to review the
CSR strategy of companies in light of innovation and communication.

Download audio file of Amir Jahangir’s moderation session

Asian CSR Awards is recognized as the leading awards program on
Corporate Social Responsibility in Asia and is an inherent component
of the annual, regional Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility
(AFCSR) conference and Expo.

This year, the Asian CSR award celebrated its seventh year with over
400 delegates from 20 countries who attended.

This award program attracted 211 entries representing 132 companies
from 14 countries. The Asian CSR Awards recognizes and honors Asian
companies for outstanding, innovative and world-class products,
services, projects and programs in five categories – Best Workplace
Practices; Concern for Health; Environmental Excellence; Poverty
Alleviation; and Support and Improvement of Education. The selection
of the projects are based on its demonstration of the company’s
leadership, sincerity and on-going commitment in incorporating ethical
values, compliance with legal requirements, respect for individuals,
involvement in communities and protection of the environment into the
way they do business.