Special report
ISLAMABAD: Emphasizing the crucial role of journalists during one of the most turbulent periods in modern history, Mubasher Naqvi, a distinguished writer and researcher, successfully defended his doctoral thesis, titled “Effects of COVID-19 on Journalists’ Performative Capabilities and Their Counter Strategies during the Pandemic in Pakistan.”
This groundbreaking study delves into the unique challenges faced by journalists in Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a national survey of 382 journalists and focus group discussions, the research identifies key issues, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of legal protection, and inadequate mental health support. It also highlights the resilience of journalists, and calls for enhanced cooperation between media and government institutions and stronger safety mechanisms to prepare for future crises.
Under the supervision of Dr. Babar Hussain Shah, eminent educationist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Mass Communication at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), the thesis has been praised for its originality, depth and practical relevance. What increases its standing is the publication of a research paper derived from this research in a high-impact international journal, confirming its global scientific contribution.
The defense session was attended by prominent academics, including Professor Dr. Abdul Aziz Saher, Dean of the College of Social Sciences, Professor Dr. Saqib Riaz, Head of the Department of Mass Communication and Director of Information and Communications Technology, Professor Dr. Syed Amir Shah, Director of the Board of Directors of Advanced Studies and Research, and external experts Professor Dr. Zahid Yousef, Dean of the College. Social Sciences, University of Gujrat, and Prof. Dr. Syed Mudassir Hussain Shah, Head of Department of Media Studies, University of Sargodha. Faculty members, including Dr. Shahid Hussain, Dr. Asad Munir and other scholars, praised the importance of the research and its important practical applications.
Dr. Mubasher Naqvi is currently the Public Relations Officer at Azad University Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK), and has over 15 years of experience in journalism, academia and strategic communication. His career includes prestigious fellowships at Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, the University of Oklahoma, USA, and Hong Kong Baptist University. In 2021, he received the first National Agahi Award for his investigative story on governance issues in AJK.
Dr. Mubasher Naqvi actively contributes to investigative reports in leading national and international publications and participates in numerous capacity building initiatives, including training courses and workshops aimed at equipping youth with basic media literacy skills.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Naqvi acknowledged the unwavering support from his supervisor Dr. Babar Hussain, Chairman, Professor Dr. Saqib Riaz, faculty members of the department, colleagues and family. He highlighted the urgent need to provide journalists with the tools and support systems necessary to deal with crises effectively, reaffirming their role as essential pillars of democracy.
Dr. Naqvi’s fascinating research provides invaluable insights into media resilience and governance transparency, setting the standard for future studies on crisis journalism.