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.

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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Among the various category nominations, SAMAA TV won 4 awards, when the Ministry of Health in partnership with UNICEF announced the winners of its 2nd National Media Awards 2010 at an award ceremony. The awards consisted of 19 different categories.

Pakistan’s leading private satellite news and current affairs television channel SAMAA TV came away with honors for Ms. Sharey Zariff, Karachi (Best Short Documentary on a Health issue); Hassan Nasir Khan, Islamabad (Best Coverage-Live Events) and Tariq Waheed, Peshawar (Best Report Electronic Urdu).

SAMAA TV made another landmark on its vision of integrating social development as its core business strategy by winning the Special Award for Television channel supporting health causes.

The award titled “Sehat ka Samaa” was received by Mr. Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV.

Last year SAMAA also won the Special Award for Innovations in Health Journalism for its contribution and efforts towards the eradication of polio across Pakistan by creating the Polio Control Cell in Pakistan, which today is the National Polio Control Cell and has more than 15 media entities as partners.

The award ceremony was attended by prominent officials including Federal Minister for Health, Mr. Makhdoom Shahabuddin, Secretary Health, Mr. Khushnood Lashari, DG Health Dr. Rashid Jooma, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Ms. Mehreen Bhutto, WHO Representative Dr. Khalif Bile Mohamud, and Unicef’s Country Head Dr. Martin Mogwanja.

Addressing the award ceremony, which is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and Unicef, Mr. Shahabuddin termed the occasion as characterizing a “new culture, a new trend, and a new beginning.” He said he was personally overwhelmed by the rapid progress in health journalism in Pakistan, as well as improvement in the quality and content of reports that touch the lives of every household and individual”. He stated that special prizes would be announced next year for journalists focusing on rural health issues.”

A special posthumous award, along with some monetary support, was announced for Irfan Dar, a diligent health journalist, who died in a road accident on February 19, 2008. He was considered amongst the leading journalists for his exceptional qualities of head and heart. Dar’s shield was received by his wife, brother and sons.

Federal Minister for Health presented the awards for the 2nd National Health Media Awards 2010. The winning entries were selected by an independent jury consisting of leading journalists from across the industry. The Minister congratulated all the prizewinners and thanked them for their great dedication. At the occasion Mr. Ihtesham-ul-Haq, Director News SAMAA was presented a special award to honor the crucial role he played as a jury member and for making the entire selection process smooth. Other jury members consisted of Mr. Mohammad Malick, Editor the News, Islamabad and Mr. Aamer Ahmed Khan, Pakistan Editor of the BBC Urdu Service.

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.

WWF awards SAMAA TV for supporting research in the field of conservation and environment.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer, SAMAA TV said, “Environmental conservation is an issue that directly affects our generation and the next. It is therefore important that we do everything possible to not only create awareness about what we can do but also contribute with what needs to be done now. We are all responsible for what we will be handing over to our next generation; they should not say that we did not care about them.”

(live-PR.com) – Lahore, 29 March 2010— WWF – Pakistan today held its annual Syed Asad Ali Conservation Award (SAAC) and the Living Planet Award ceremony to honor and recognize organizations and individuals, who have carried out notable contributions to conserve wildlife and the natural resources of the country. SAMAA TV, one of Pakistan’s leading news channels was awarded the Conservation recognition

award in appreciation of being the only media channel in the region to show leadership in advancing environmental and conservation program through communication and public outreach.

The award distribution ceremony was held at the Ali Institute under the presence of leading representatives from the Government, civic society, environmental agencies, academia and the media.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer, SAMAA TV said, “Environmental conservation is an issue that directly affects our generation and the next. It is therefore important that we do everything possible to not only create awareness about what we can do but also contribute with what needs to be done now. We are all responsible for what we will be handing over to our next generation; they should not say that we did not care about them.”

Mr. Jahangir appreciated WWF Pakistan’s initiatives to recognize the contributions within conservation of environment stating that environmental awards were an important mechanism to encourage business and society to meet the Pakistan’s sustainable development and environmental programs. “Award schemes can provide a very useful way of stimulating improved environmental performance by organizations and showcasing good examples of innovation and best practice – the media industry has to play a significant role to ensure Pakistan reaches the desired targets”, said Jahangir.

The special recognition award acknowledges SAMAA TV’s contribution to student’s research in field of conservation and environment and its role in engaging and shaping public response to environmental conversation program.

SAMAA TV is the first media channel in the Asian region to be offering scholarships for public university students pursuing master level degrees in environmental sciences. SAMAA is also launching structured thematic green media campaigns every month for people to participate in various initiatives such as ‘Say No to Plastic Bags’, ‘Earth Hour’, ‘Beach Cleaning’, ‘Plantation,’ and ‘Make Your Carbon and Water Foot Prints Small and Green’, all of which are designed to be visually appealing and environmentally informative.

While addressing the participants and audience of the ceremony, Mr. Ali Hassan Habib, Director General, WWF – Pakistan and Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, Chairman Scientific Committee expressed their compliments to the award recipients.

“This special environment recognition award has been awarded to SAMAA for its innovate initiatives on the subject of environment and more importantly for its commitment which is transparent when we look at the positive results, which have emerged from these initiatives – This has made SAMAA a deserving “Environment Champion” said Mr. Ali Hassan Habib,

The Syed Asad Ali Conservation (SAAC) Award is a tribute to Syed Asad Ali for his inspiring role in bringing forth the importance of conserving the environment for a better tomorrow.

In his concluding remarks, Amir Jahangir encouraged more organizations to seek recognition for their environmental performance. Mr. Jahangir said that media need to go beyond simple reporting and take up issues towards educating communities and create awareness for the well being of the society. He said that it was important to take a lead and get involved in this process.

This year, the SAAC Award was presented to Mr. Ayub Dablo, Asgher Ali Detho and Ashfaq Ahmed Ashufta for their efforts as conservationists in their respective areas. Ayub Dablo received this award for his contributions towards the plantation and conservation of mangroves over an area of more than 495 hectares in Keti bunder. Mr. Ashafaq Ahmad Ashufta was selected for SAAC Award for the continued efforts that he made to conserve the Kalij Pheasant with the involvement of local community in Jafferabad village of Abbottabad.

Society for Social Development and Conservation of Nature, Lasbella received the Living Planet Award for a Project to ensure the sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources with the involvement of local communities in Lasbella.

Certificate of appreciation were also presented to Mr. Samad Dawood, CEO of Dawood Corporation for donating an amount of Rupees 2.5 million to WWF – Pakistan and to Ms. Raina Saeed Khan upon receiving an Award at UN Summit on the article that she has written on Keti Bunder.

SAMAA TV’s commitment to being a socially responsible broadcaster has been widely appreciated on both national and international forums. It has been recognized as an innovator and leader for many initiatives and is the first media channel in Pakistan to have been honored with the Asian Corporate Social Responsibility Excellence Award 2009 for the Polio Control Cell stewardship. It is also the first media channel in Pakistan to have received the National CSR Excellence Award and also Pakistan’s first Innovation Journalism Health award from UNICEF and Ministry of Health, Government of Pakistan.

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.

SAMAA TV holds event to create consensus on creating public driven content to motivate and educate the nation.

Karachi, 25 March 2010: SAMAA TV, one of Pakistan’s leading news channels hosted Pakistan’s first media bowling tournament, which was held to promote the important role of media in addressing the socio-economic issues of Pakistan. The tournament titled “The SAMAA Bowling Challenge” was held at the Arena Family Entertainment Center, where Pakistan’s leading Brands, Advertising & Media buying agencies took part in the event and competed for trophies and team events.

The first of its kind-bowling tournament brought more than 100 bowlers to the area. The eight-hour long event proved to be a huge success as 100 participants from 20 different teams took great interest in the matches and each match provided extreme excitement and kept the crowd involved.

Speaking on the occasion, Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV said, ” We see that the common Pakistani is deprived of access to quality education, healthcare facilities, economic opportunities and gender equality. These challenges have been further burdened with the on-going war on terror in Pakistan. In search for answers and solutions to their uprooted lives, the public is turning to the Government as well as the media. This brings on a huge responsibility for our industry, as the previous communication environment in Pakistan has strongly ignored the emotions and well being of the public. We are here today to gather the leading communication houses and create consensus on integrating social justice into our organizational operations.”

Mr. Jahangir further added that the communication industry needs to position itself as the enabler and the catalyst for change. “We can only achieve corporate excellence by creating social dividend for the people of Pakistan, who are the most important stakeholders of our nation”, he said.

Mr. Fahd Haroon, Director Communications SAMAA TV shared that the event was a social gathering carrying a strong message for the industry – to create social value in content and educate the public for a better tomorrow. “This is a good way to bring all the industry under one roof and involve them in a healthy exercise, while sharing ideas and latest developments within the industry. We look forward to hosting more events like these to encourage unity and competition”, he concluded.

A series of strong performances were seen in the tournament. The final was played between Synergy Advertising and United Mobile. Synergy Advertising took the first prize and United Mobile ended as runners up. Aamir Ali, General Manager Sales and Danish Shervani, Senior Manager Product Manager of SAMAA TV distributed plaques and prizes amongst the winners. Prizes worth 100,000/- were distributed amongst the winner and runner up

Participants and guests from the media industry were entertained by exclusive hi-tea and various games like Ice skating, Bowling, Pool, Rock Climbing and Mini Golf etc.

After the great success of SAMAA BOWLING Challenge 2010, SAMAA plans to hold more events to bring together the leading marketers in the communication industry to discuss and carry out joint efforts to build the capacity of the industry market and bring value to society.

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 in 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.

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.

International experts appreciate media’s role in Pakistan

The International Growth Center (IGC), an initiative by the UK Department of International Development today held its first consultative meeting in Pakistan. During the meeting, international experts laid out the vast and important role of media in Pakistan by claiming it to be one of the most important pillars in achieving sustainable and inclusive development in the country.

The meeting was held at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and was attended by leading members of the national and provincial assemblies, senior policymakers, civil society and media.

The distinguished list of participants also included Mr. Mark Henstridge, IGC UK, Ms. Shehnaz Wazir Ali, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mr. Khurram Dastagir Khan, MNA and Chairman Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Commerce and Mr. Amir Jahangir, CEO of SAMAA TV.

The meetings in Pakistan are being held to formulate a demand driven agenda for research and policy advice that contributes to the creation of sustainable and inclusive growth in Pakistan.

Speaking on the session of “Political institutions and Conflict”, Amir Jahangir, CEO SAMAA TV said that “Developing growth supporting political institutions is difficult for many countries but is especially challenging for Pakistan given the high levels of political violence plaguing the country. We as an industry need to realize the important responsibility which we carry towards our people. We are equal members of this society and equally responsible for its growth and success”.

Speaking on media responsibility, Amir Jahangir further added that “media should be creating content which results in guiding our political institutions in developing policies which will have long term benefits for the economy and the good will of our people. Policies made for the people is what will take our country forward”.

The IGC conference revolves around introducing the IGC Center and the Pakistan team to key stakeholders in Pakistan, prioritizing thematic components of the Pakistan program and discuss on IGC’s draft country program with the stakeholders.

Many of the leading policy experts attending the meeting highlighted that the links between poverty, democracy and conflict are commonly misunderstood and contradicted by rigorous data. During the discussion, the participants reinforced the need to identify avenues for research that can provide the required information and form policies which will reduce conflicts and minimize its negative impact on growth and development in Pakistan.

The IGC is directed and organized from hubs at the LSE and the University of Oxford and represents a collaborative venture to create an International Growth Network. The International Growth Network engages with policy makers, researchers and private sector and civil society representatives in the client countries seeking advice on growth.

Its structure reflects a belief that effective policies to promote growth require long-term country engagement that partners the best available generic knowledge from research with local knowledge relevant to the circumstances of the country in question. It also recognizes the need to engage with a range of actors on the ground – from government, civil society and the private sector – to be effective in influencing the climate of opinion that supports long-term policies.

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 in 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.