Interview by Saddia Mazhar;
ISLAMABAD: Media is playing vital role in keeping masses upto date with information and changing world around them, and good professional team can only be built if they have proper Knowledge and expertise, for this Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Islamabad is playing a due vital and appreciable role .
Chairman Mass Communication Department Dr. Saqib Riaz told In an exclusive interview to our Correspondent here on other day, he said curriculum is being updated while special courses and programs are being introduced in the university to counter the challenges of today’s media.
Dr. Saqib Riaz said that as Allama Iqbal Open University is the largest distance learning university of the region, the mission is to empower the student with upto date professional Knowledge and the develop their personality socially.
He added that these programs are specifically enabling students to independently investigate the contents, uses, and effects of mass media in society.
Chairman of Mass Communication Department, Dr. Saqib Riaz told that as we have strong developed infrastructure and largest distance teaching ability, quality and variety of media and mass communication Courses are as high as another degree awarding institution of the country.
Thousands of students are being enrolled from graduation to PhD level. Their admissions are strictly done on merit ,He Added.
During the Discussion Dr. Saqib told that university has developed fully equipped latest Auditorium and Conference Halls ,which has helped the department to organize seminars, Conferences and symposiums of national and international level . which helped the students to interact with professionals of media and Journalism industry .
The University is playing its due role in developing quality Scholar. The Scholars of MS/MPhil programs goes Tough Monitoring and Evaluation. The hypothetical and operational gravity of program’s coursework has already been applause by the educational experts and professionals.
When he was asked about the fee structure of mass communication courses, Dr. Riaz told that university free structure is lowest as compare of the other public or private sector universities. Free quality education is being provided to prisoners and transgender so that they can play their due role in the growth of the country as they are integral part of the Society.
He gave a message to youth particularly students as they are more than 50% of the Population to Portray the Image of our Country through social Media Positively, which will further help us in the development of our society full of Patience and harmony . “Social media has been made the part of curriculum and courses at graduation level and will be further incorporated in higher classes”, he added.
The students must keep their knowledge and skills upto dated through the research and latest technological developments. and give their full potential for the progress and prosperity of the mankind.
Profile
Dr. Saqib Riaz, the Chairman Mass Communication Department Allama Iqbal completed his post doctoral studies in 2013 from Open University has been Indiana University Bloomington, USA. From the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Berlin Germany in 2005 he completed his higher education in journalism and media studies
In 1992 he graduated from Punjab University, Lahore from where he got Masters degree in Mass Communication .He was lucky to completed his M.Phil and Ph.D theses under the supervision of late Dr. Miskeen Ali Hijazi, the founder of journalism education in Pakistan.
Dr. Saqib also has the honor to address several national and international conferences and seminars held worldwide. And is delivering lectures in renowned universities in different parts of the Globe including Germany and United States.
Dr. Saqib Riaz is also an author of several books on journalism. He has written three dozen research articles published in national and international research journals. Beside this before joining the academic profession Dr. Saqib served being an editor in couple of Urdu magazine and newspapers.
He has more than 25 year experience in the Field of academia and practical journalism. He is active member of the Censor Board of Pakistan Television in addition to several other country wide prestigious portfolios.
