Islamabad, Pakistan – January 17, 2026– In a spirited gathering of journalists from the Seraiki Waseeb (region), prominent media professionals came together to emphasize unity, ethical practices, and the transformative power of digital technology in journalism. The event, organized under the banner of the 4thpillar Forum, featured insightful speeches from leading figures, including Farooq Mirza, President of 4thpillar, and renowned female journalist Farhat Fatima. The forum highlighted the need for collective action to address challenges faced by Seraiki journalists, while promoting self-reliance and professional growth.
The meeting, attended by senior journalists, writers, and media veterans from across the Seraiki belt—including areas like Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Bahawalpur—served as a platform to discuss the formation of a dedicated forum for Seraiki media professionals. Participants stressed the importance of moving beyond petty interests and factionalism that have long plagued local press clubs and groups.
Farooq Mirza, the keynote speaker and President of 4thpillar—an international organization dedicated to human rights and media advocacy—delivered a passionate address on the organization’s origins and its commitment to the Seraiki region. “4thpillar began right here in the Seraiki Waseeb,” Mirza said, recalling the group’s first initiative under the name ‘Seraikistan.’ He highlighted the organization’s global reach, noting its representation in Washington-based forums where issues from the Seraiki belt are discussed, including human rights and cultural preservation.
Mirza, who has extensively traveled through the region during floods and peacetime, underscored the forum’s role in fostering unity. “You are already united—shoulder to shoulder,” he told the audience, urging them to prioritize serving their communities over politics or business pursuits. He emphasized the critical need for journalists to understand digital technologies, ethics, and evolving cyber laws, especially in the context of political tensions and media restrictions in Pakistan.
“We must reshape the narrative of our culture and Pakistan’s image,” Mirza added, encouraging participants to focus on verified content that highlights local traditions, monuments, agriculture, and economy. He criticized unverified stories that lead to conflicts, advocating for conflict resolution through respectful journalism. “Instead of character assassination, why not highlight their traditions?” he asked, referencing his interactions with tribal leaders in Jatoi.
A key highlight was Mirza’s announcement of free training programs for Seraiki journalists. Under the guidance of Farhat Fatima, Director of Human Rights at 4thpillar, upcoming workshops will cover digital ethics, content creation, viewership growth, and platform development—all offered at no cost. “We’ll teach you how to protect yourselves online, from cell phones to WhatsApp, and how to build your own platforms,” Mirza promised.
Mirza also addressed economic challenges in journalism, urging professionals to create secondary income sources. He introduced 4thpillar’s new digital platform, inspired by Shopify, which allows journalists to set up online shops with provided products and training. “With just two hours a day, you can earn $200–$300 daily,” he said, drawing from his collaborations with chambers of commerce in the US, Faisalabad, and beyond. “Be your own boss—Pakistan first, and remember, journalism is a prophetic profession; don’t let others misuse you.”
Farhat Fatima, a trailblazing female journalist and key organizer, echoed Mirza’s call for empowerment in her speech. She focused on the role of women in media and the need for inclusive digital training, particularly for journalists from underserved areas. Fatima, who has been instrumental in 4thpillar’s human rights initiatives, stressed practical skills like content verification and ethical storytelling to combat misinformation.
The forum also featured speeches from several notable Seraiki journalists, adding depth to the discussions. Veteran journalist Bashir Ansari, a respected writer and mentor from Multan, shared poignant anecdotes about the lack of solidarity in the profession, recalling a funeral where only a handful attended despite the deceased’s influence. “We must unite so that no journalist from our region feels isolated,” Ansari urged.
Other prominent speakers included Rauf Class, known for his investigative reporting on public issues like deforestation in Khanpur; Bhatti Sahib, a senior mentor who emphasized self-reliance through monthly membership fees for the forum (“Even one rupee per month to foster independence”); Yawar Sahib, who highlighted digital content as a path to financial stability; Tabassum Sahib, focusing on community activism; Damil Hashmi, discussing organizational challenges; Tariq Sahib, a print media expert; Dilshad Mi, an electronic media veteran; Nisar Sahib, specializing in cultural journalism; and Chisti Sahib, who addressed ethical divides in the industry.
The gathering addressed broader issues in Pakistani journalism, such as class divisions (“Rich for the rich, poor for the poor”), the misuse of media by political entities, and the trend of highlighting public issues over personal vendettas. One participant referenced a recent success: a report on illegal tree felling in Khanpur, initially covered by local journalists and amplified on social media, leading to a High Court ban after intervention by Minister Musadiq Malik.
Attendees from diverse media sectors—digital, print, electronic, and cultural—praised the forum’s potential to create a self-sustaining network. “This forum must run under ‘Apni Madad Aap’ (self-help),” said one speaker, proposing formal rules and a board to ensure longevity.
The event concluded on an optimistic note, with congratulations extended to all elected members and a commitment to ongoing support. As Mirza wrapped up, he reiterated: “You’ve come together; now keep moving forward. Allah will guide us.”
4thpillar, now managing 37 digital portals across platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube, positions itself as a beacon for ethical, tech-savvy journalism. This forum marks a significant step toward empowering Seraiki voices in an increasingly digital world, ensuring they not only report the news but also shape their futures.
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