ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
Empower Women Media & Weaving People to Grow Foundation in collaboration with Empower Women Media and National Press Club hosted training on Freedom of Religion and Belief for Journalists
Islamabad, August 21, 2025 – Weaving People to Grow Foundation in collaboration with the Empower Women Media organized a one-day training for journalists on Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) at the National Press Club, Islamabad. The event, themed “Live What You Believe,” brought together journalists, youth representatives, civil society leaders, and religious figures to strengthen understanding of FoRB and its vital role in peace, security, women’s empowerment, and economic development.
The training opened with Ms. Kiran Peter, Executive Director of WPTG Foundation, who welcomed participants and outlined the objectives of the program. Mr. Aaron Rowan Bob, Training Moderator, facilitated interactive discussions and group activities throughout the day.
The sessions included thought-provoking short films, group discussions, and three dynamic panel discussions. Key highlights included:
• FoRB and Peace & Security – Panelists including Mr. George Chughtai, Allama Ehsanullah Mansoor, and Ghuhfran Ahmed Chisti, Executive Member of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists and Editor of Daily Jageer highlighted the importance of tolerance, interfaith harmony, and protecting minority rights for long-term stability.
• FoRB and Women Empowerment – Leaders such as Ms. Saleema Munir, Ms. Silvia Shamayoon, and Mr. Zulfiqar Baig shed light on how women face discrimination due to their faith and shared strategies to empower women to stand firm for their rights. Ms. Saleema Munir also stressed the upper house of the National Assembly to pass the bill on the formation of National Commission for Minorities Rights to further elevate minority rights in Pakistan.
• FoRB, Business & Economies – Panelists including Mr. Amjad Nazeer, Ms. Imrana Saghar and Mr. David Associate Press of Pakistan (APP) discussed how religious freedom fosters innovation, diversity, and sustainable economic growth.
Through group activities, participants explored practical ways to advance FoRB, shared their visions for social change, and developed action plans for continued collaboration. The event concluded with closing remarks by Mr. George Chughtai, Program Advisor at WPTGF, who highlighted the need for journalists to champion narratives of peace, inclusion, and equality. This initiative is part of Empower Women Media’s global “Live What You Believe” campaign, which seeks to equip changemakers with tools and resources to promote religious freedom and human dignity.
