LAHORE: The School of Communication Studies at the University of the Punjab, in partnership with the Association of Photojournalists of Lahore, organized a focus group to explore the roles and decision-making processes of photo and video journalists during political protests. This research initiative aims to investigate how journalists frame events and the various pressures that affect their work.

According to University of the Punjab, the focus group involved a total of 15 journalists, including senior professionals from various media outlets. The session, held at the Department of Communication Studies, was attended by Professor Dr. Abida Ashraf, Associate Professor Dr. Shabbir Sarwar, research scholar Javeria Shafiq, and journalists Mohsin Naseem and Ahsan Kamray. Participants discussed the selection of moments, framing of images, and documentation of events, highlighting the influence of personal perspectives, editorial policies, and organizational demands on their work.

The discussion also addressed the challenges of maintaining impartiality in politically sensitive environments and the ethical responsibilities of visual journalists. Concerns about personal safety, pressure from protesters and authorities, and the influence of camera presence on protester behavior were also examined. The study's findings will contribute to understanding the professional challenges faced by journalists in Pakistan, with data collected from across the country. APL President Waseem Niaz expressed gratitude towards Dr. Shabbir Sarwar and Dr. Abida Ashraf for involving journalists in this doctoral-level research.