WASHINGTON: The Pakistani American Press Association (PAPA) hosted a reception and dinner in Washington to honour Pakistani journalists who travelled to the United States to cover the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The event brought together visiting journalists, Washington-based media professionals and members of the Pakistani-American community for discussions on the UN General Assembly, changing global dynamics and the challenges facing journalism in an increasingly digital media environment.
The 81st UN General Assembly was held amid heightened geopolitical tensions, ongoing conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate concerns and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
Its theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All,” reflected several of the issues confronting the international community.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was among the world leaders addressing the General Assembly, while a delegation of Pakistani journalists travelled to the US to cover his engagements and proceedings at the United Nations.
Journalists exchange experiences
Welcoming the visiting journalists, PAPA President Khurram Shahzad and General Secretary Yousaf Chaudhry said such gatherings provided an opportunity to strengthen professional ties between journalists working in Pakistan and their counterparts in the United States.
Among those attending were Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt, Batool Rajput, Mateen Haider, Kamran Raja, Nayyar Ali, Shakir Abbasi, Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada, Shabbir Ali, Zulqarnain, Nazira Azam, Anwar Iqbal and Anas, along with other journalists and community representatives.
The visiting journalists shared their experiences of covering the General Assembly, where developments in Gaza and the wider Middle East, tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, the war in Ukraine and broader changes in the international order featured prominently in diplomatic discussions and media coverage.
AI reshaping journalism
A major part of the discussion focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in journalism.
Participants noted that AI tools could help newsrooms process information more quickly and improve efficiency, but they also raised concerns about misinformation, accuracy, verification, editorial oversight and professional ethics.
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Sajid Tarar, head of Muslims of America and a prominent member of the Pakistani-American community, addressed the gathering and announced plans to organise free artificial intelligence training workshops for journalists in Pakistan.
Tarar said journalists needed greater exposure to emerging technologies as news organisations adapted to a media landscape increasingly influenced by AI.
Journalists receive appreciation certificates
Muslims of America also presented certificates of appreciation to journalists in recognition of their professional work, with Tarar presenting the certificates during the ceremony.
Speakers highlighted the role of Pakistani journalists and community organisations in the United States in strengthening professional and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the US.
They also stressed the importance of creating more opportunities for professional exchanges, training and interaction between media professionals in both countries.
The discussion repeatedly returned to the importance of verification in modern journalism.
Participants said that while social media, artificial intelligence and digital platforms had dramatically increased the speed at which information travelled, journalists’ fundamental responsibility remained the same: establishing facts, maintaining professional integrity and distinguishing verified information from claims and misinformation.
The reception concluded with calls for closer cooperation among Pakistani journalists at home and abroad and further training initiatives to help media professionals adapt to technological changes transforming the global journalism industry.
