Public Relations Officer
The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Total years of experience :16 years, 6 Months
As the Public Relations Officer/In charge Media Section at The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, I am responsible for managing the university's media relations, social media accounts, website, event planning, and publications. I have launched and maintained the Monthly E-Newsletter "The Campus Times, " the Official YouTube Channel, and produced several documentaries for the university. Additionally, I am responsible for publishing the Annual Report and creating different audiovisual content for the internal and external public of the institute. I have also drafted a comprehensive media policy for the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. My dedication to providing high-quality communication and promoting the university's brand has resulted in increased visibility and engagement from stakeholders, establishing the university as a leader in higher education.
As a Special Correspondent for The Financial Daily International since April 2015, I have been responsible for researching and reporting on socioeconomic developments and challenges in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. My key responsibilities included investigating breaking news developments, gathering information through research and interviews, analyzing background information, and determining the stories' emphasis, length, and format. Additionally, I arranged interviews with people who provided information about a particular story and maintained effective communication with editors to ensure timely news production.
As a key member of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at UAJK, I played a vital role in organizing various academic events, including seminars, conferences, and webinars. In the absence of permanent faculty, I took charge and ensured the smooth and successful execution of these events. Additionally, I maintained productive liaisons with local press, journalists' bodies, and media houses, which helped the department to expand its outreach and visibility. During the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, I proved my versatility and adaptability by serving as a Master Trainer. I played an instrumental role in facilitating the transition to remote learning by ensuring the seamless operation of Microsoft Teams, LMS, and other IT-related applications.
As a seasoned news professional, I gathered news items, exclusive stories, and relevant information for the production of four daily news bulletins broadcast in local languages, including Urdu, Kashmiri, Gojri, and Pahari. I reviewed the information received from various sources, selected news items for broadcast, and monitored the production and broadcast process to ensure the quality and delivery of content. I played an administrative role, assessing the needs of the news unit, scheduling meetings, and maintaining strong relationships with governmental organizations. Additionally, I fed important dispatches and exclusive stories to the Central News Organization of Radio Pakistan, participated as a correspondent in various news and current affairs programs, and arranged guest speakers and analysts when necessary.
As a News Editor, I oversaw the production of the first English-language daily newspaper in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. My key responsibilities included editing and rewriting news for improved readability, verifying facts, and reviewing proofs. I allocated print space for story text, photos, and illustrations, and ensured adherence to deadlines and budget requirements. I also developed story ideas, supervised sub-editors, and coordinated the work of reporters, artists, typesetters, layout personnel, marketing directors, and production managers. Through my leadership, Daily Heights gained a reputation for high-quality journalism and wide readership among government officials, military officials, universities, colleges, diplomats, and other influential individuals and institutions.
As an Associate Editor at The Awam, I performed various editorial and administrative duties for a fortnightly English magazine covering the socioeconomic issues of Muzaffarabad, AJK. My responsibilities included researching information for stories, fact-checking, writing headlines, editing articles, checking factual errors, managing production schedules, supervising staff, and assisting with layouts and design. I also handled senior editor duties when needed, assigned stories, evaluated other editors and writers, and participated in production meetings to decide on the direction and contents of the publication. Overall, I contributed to the success of The Awam for two years.
As the Regional Coordinator for AJK, I played a pivotal role in the development of the Resource Center, built partnerships with government and development organizations, and mobilized resources for community partnership frameworks. I also led campaigns, action research, community mobilization, and service delivery programs while designing capacity-building programs for learners and project staff. In addition, I prepared various proposals and reports for national and international donors and managed resource mobilization and allocation, along with annual work plans and budgets. I collaborated with the Training Coordinator and partner NGO/institutions in preparing and executing training programs for community development staff, beneficiary representatives, and staff in clusters, sub-apex, and apex. Finally, I assessed the performance of COs, clusters, and sub-apex and assisted the Program Management Unit in writing frequent reports.
PhD in Mass Communication Thesis Submitted Thesis Title: Effects of COVID-19 on Journalists’ Performing Abilities and Their Counter Strategies During The Pandemic In Pakistan.
The thesis titled “Challenges to Journalists Working in Conflict Zone: A Case Study of Muzaffarabad & Srinagar”
Masters in Media Studies and Communication. Advertising and Public Relations courses were taken.
Studied Business Communication, Marketing and other communication related courses as well.
