Pakistan Church Media Workshop Promotes Responsible Digital Communication

A five-day media training workshop on the theme “Digital Missionaries of Hope” brought together Catholic communicators, diocesan media personnel, and young people from across Pakistan at the Catholic Youth Center in Ayubia, northern Pakistan, from June 1 to 5.

The program was organized by SIGNIS Pakistan and the National Commission for Social Communications, with the participation of 55 young people and media representatives from dioceses nationwide.

During the workshop, Archbishop Joseph Arshad, chairman of the National Commission for Social Communications, launched Pope Leo XIV’s document Magnifica Humanitas and urged participants to promote human dignity through media.

Addressing the gathering, Archbishop Arshad said the document highlights the responsibility of safeguarding human dignity, human rights, and human civilization in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and modern communications. He encouraged the responsible use of AI in service of humanity.

The archbishop said the workshop aimed to help young Catholics use media positively and strengthen diocesan media commissions. He encouraged participants to remain connected with their local churches and use media to promote the Bible and Catholic social teaching.

He also stressed the importance of education and professional development for Pakistan’s Christian minority, noting that education remains essential for social progress and community empowerment.

Fr. Qaiser Feroz, OFM Cap, described Magnifica Humanitas as a call to protect human dignity according to God’s plan. Referring to Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 60th World Communications Day, he emphasized the responsible use of artificial intelligence and the need to protect human voices and identities in the digital age.

Fr. Feroz also reflected on communication as a central element of Christian faith, describing God as the first communicator and Jesus Christ as the model communicator who proclaimed God’s message through stories and parables.

The workshop featured practical sessions on journalism, storytelling, broadcasting, social media, filmmaking, and digital communication.

Among the trainers were Iram Imran, coordinator of Radio Veritas Asia Urdu Service, who conducted sessions on vocal delivery and communication skills; Sana George, online producer at Radio Veritas Asia Urdu Service, who led training on news writing, storytelling, and voice-over techniques; Sana Zahid of Pak7 TV, who discussed sitcom and talk-show production; and filmmaker Isaac Amir, who introduced participants to filmmaking techniques and visual storytelling.

Participants also worked in groups to produce short videos on themes including hope, human dignity, and the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence.

At the conclusion of the workshop, Archbishop Arshad celebrated a thanksgiving Mass and distributed certificates to participants. Organizers said the program sought to equip young Catholics to use digital media responsibly while sharing messages of faith, hope, and human dignity.