Projects Implemented
Here is the detail of a few of projects implemented by IRADA:
- Strengthening Capacities of Grassroot Level Journalists to Promote Media Pluralism, Diversity, and Gender-Responsive Journalism – 2023
UNESCO Pakistan
This project aimed at promoting media pluralism, diversity, and gender responsive journalism among the grass root level journalists representing different regions of Pakistan in collaboration with PFUJ and the National Press Club Islamabad.Through a customized training module based upon UNESCO’s existing publications covering topics like mobile/digital journalism, investigative skills, countering disinformation, reporting through digital platforms, privacy and safety rights, global case studies, and community guidelines of tech companies, this initiative helped promote media pluralism, diversity, and gender-responsive journalism in Pakistan.
- Analyzing News Coverage of Climate Change Induced 2022 Floods in Sindh province of Pakistan – 2022-23
Centre for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) and The Asia Foundation (TAF)
This research study aimed to review news media coverage of the 2022 floods in Sindh between July and November 2022. The study analyzed both the quantity and quality of news reporting, articles, features, and audio/visual materials produced by print, electronic, and online media during the first five months of the flood.It documented gaps and weaknesses in the reported content and identified capacity-building measures to overcome these gaps, enabling journalists and news outlets to cover similar disasters effectively in the future.
- Enhancing Capacity of Judicial Actors on Fundamental Freedoms in the Online Sphere in Pakistan – 2021
UNESCO Pakistan
The project aimed at empowering Judicial Actors on Fundamental Freedoms online by enhancing understanding of duty bearers from the judiciary on internet governance, national laws, and proposing amendments for transparency in digital content regulation.IRADA conducted consultations with stakeholders, sensitization sessions with 45 judiciary duty bearers, and three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with parliamentarians and senior members of judiciary. The project also produced a policy brief highlighting the role of the judiciary in ensuring Freedom of Expression and RTI online.
- Strengthening Diversity and Pluralism in Pakistani Media – 2019-23
International Media Support (IMS)
The project focused on improving media coverage of human rights and FoRB (freedom of religion or belief) issues, building capacities of women journalists, and increasing quality public interest journalism content highlighting minority women issues.IRADA produced three annual reports on “State of Digital Media / Journalism” (2020-2023), two reports on “Diversity and Pluralism in Media in Pakistan,” and reviewed the implementation of UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalism (2013-22).
- Assessment of Implementation of Right of Access to Information Act, 2017
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI)
This assessment reviewed the quality of implementation of the RTI Act, identified administrative loopholes, lack of resources, and challenges in digitizing internal reporting systems, and recommended corrective actions. - Review of Pakistan’s Labour Laws – 2021
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Examined industrial coverage and deficiencies for media workers, assessing implementation of Wage Board Awards and legal frameworks, and recommended improvements for labor rights, policy development, and advocacy. - Capacity Building of Journalists and Information Practitioners with Religious Minorities (RM) Background – 2019
Freedom Network (FN)
Trainings focused on building the capacities of journalists with religious minority backgrounds to report on human rights and FoRB issues using in-depth, investigative journalism approaches. - Reducing high impunity of crimes against journalists in Pakistan through prosecution and litigating – 2021-23
UNESCO / Global Media Defence Fund (GMDF)
Reinforced operationalization of the national protection mechanism (Legal Aid Cell), filed strategic cases in high courts and the Supreme Court to establish statutory protection for journalists. - Research and Advocacy for Journalists Safety Law – 2017
International Media Support (IMS)
Consultations led to a model Journalists Safety Bill submitted to lawmakers after two phases of stakeholder engagement. - Facilitating Dialogue and Technical Assistance on Media Regulatory Reforms – 2014-17
DANIDA / IMS
Focused on media reforms through research, advocacy, dialogue, and development of a Model Broadcast Law and comprehensive agenda for media-related law reform in Pakistan. - Promoting decent and safe employment practices for journalists and other media workers in Pakistan – 2014-18
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) / Solidarity Centre (SC)
Built capacity of journalist unions, provided legal assistance, and produced reports on labor rights and employment contracts in the media sector. - Baseline Study of the State of Journalists’ Safety in Pakistan – 2013-15
UNESCO and Open Society Foundation
Conducted baseline study mapping UN-developed Journalists Safety Indicators to support effective implementation of UN Plan of Action on Impunity. - Strengthening the Draft of Right to Information (RTI) Law and Raising Voices against Impunity of Journalist Killings – 2013-14
UNESCO through IPDC
Contributed to creating an enabling RTI regime, building journalist capacity to use RTI law in investigative reporting, and addressing impunity of killings of journalists.