The Women Development Department, Government of Balochistan, has launched a Provincial Media Fellowship Programme aimed at strengthening responsible reporting on gender-based violence, child marriage and other issues affecting women and children in the province.

The programme, run in partnership with the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), the Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), was inaugurated at BUITEMS' Pink Hall.

Speaking at the launch, Secretary Women Development Sahra Ata said the media was an effective means of driving positive change, and that responsible coverage of gender-based violence, child marriage and other sensitive matters was a pressing need. She said the provincial government was working with relevant institutions on practical steps to protect women's rights, support their empowerment and build a safer society. The fellowship, she added, was intended to sharpen journalists' professional skills so they could raise public awareness through factual, balanced and sensitive reporting.

BUITEMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Hafeez said universities were not confined to teaching but had a role in social improvement and national development, and that the institution would continue supporting young journalists and media professionals with research, training and practical skills. He described the initiative as a milestone for the standard of journalism in Balochistan and linked responsible reporting to the protection of women's and children's rights, social justice and sustainable development. He also noted that BUITEMS had recently opened BS programmes in Forensic Sciences and Public Health.

Director Public Relations Saeed Shahwani briefed participants on the role of the media.

The event drew government officials, journalists, faculty members, students and members of the public. Commemorative shields were distributed and a group photograph was taken at the close.