UMT SMCS - School of Media and Communication Studies

The School of Media and Communication Studies is pleased to organize an Alumni Reunion with the Dean, a wonderful opportunity for our alumni to reconnect, share experiences, and relive their university memories.

📅 18th June
📍 SDT 604- SMCS

We look forward to welcoming our alumni back to campus for an engaging and memorable gathering. Join us as we celebrate the bonds that continue long after graduation!

Alumni Reunion | SMCS | UMT | Alumni Network | Partnerships and Collaborations

Building Global Partnerships for Research, Impact, and Innovation

In a significant step towards strengthening international academic and development collaborations, Dr. Sidra Tariq Jamil, Dean, School of Media and Communication Studies (SMCS), and Director, Center for the Future of Muslim Civilization (CFMC), UMT, held a highly productive meeting with the senior leadership of the Aga Khan Foundation in London.

The discussion focused on exploring avenues for meaningful collaboration in areas of research, knowledge exchange, community development, media engagement, and capacity-building initiatives. Given the Foundation’s globally recognized contributions to sustainable development, education, cultural preservation, and social impact, the partnership presents exciting opportunities for both SMCS and CFMC to engage in collaborative research projects and innovative academic initiatives.

The meeting highlighted a shared commitment to addressing contemporary societal challenges through evidence-based research, interdisciplinary dialogue, and impactful community engagement. Potential areas of cooperation include joint research endeavors, academic exchanges, conferences, policy dialogues, and collaborative projects that contribute to both local and global development goals.

Dr. Sidra emphasized that partnerships with globally respected institutions such as the Aga Khan Foundation provide valuable opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty members to expand their perspectives, contribute to impactful scholarship, and foster meaningful societal change.

This engagement marks another important milestone in UMT’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships and create pathways for collaborative learning, research excellence, and sustainable development. 

Aga Khan Foundation | SMCS | International Collaboration | Industrial Linkages | UMT

Bridging Classroom Learning with Industry Expertise: Nikon Creative Workshop at SMCS

The School of Media and Communication Studies (SMCS), UMT, successfully organized an enriching creative workshop aimed at empowering students with practical insights from industry leaders. The session brought together distinguished professionals from Nikon Pakistan, including Creative Head Mr. Syed Mavaz, PR Strategist Ms. Rabia Butt , the Photography Head Mr. Bashart, Art Director Ms. Ramal, and the set Designer Ms. Fizza who shared their invaluable experiences and expertise with aspiring media professionals.

The workshop offered students a unique opportunity to engage with industry experts, gain practical knowledge about creative storytelling, photography, content creation, branding, and emerging trends in the media landscape. Through interactive discussions and real-world case studies, participants learned how creativity, innovation, and strategic communication shape successful media campaigns.

Speaking on the occasion Dean SMCS Dr. Sidra Tariq Jamil emphasized the importance of industry-academia collaboration in preparing students for the evolving professional world. She highlighted that such initiatives play a vital role in capacity building, enabling students to learn directly from practitioners and gain firsthand exposure to contemporary industry practices.

As a gesture of appreciation, Dr. Sidra Tariq Jamil presented souvenirs to the Nikon team for their valuable contribution and dedication to nurturing future media professionals.

At SMCS, we remain committed to creating meaningful learning opportunities that connect students with industry leaders, inspire innovation, and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in today's dynamic media environment.

Join us at SMCS for an exclusive session on building real-world creative skills with leading professionals from media, PR, art direction, and photography in collaboration with Nikon.

From vision to ex*****on, learn what it truly takes to thrive in today’s creative industry.

📍 SMCS Studio
📅 20th May
⏰ 11 AM

The future of creativity starts here.

Constructing concrete bridges between academia and governance

The School of Media and Communication Studies (SMCS) and the Centre for the Future of Muslim Civilization (CFMC) at the University of Management and Technology (UMT) had the honor of visiting the Governor House Lahore under the leadership of Dr. Sidra Tariq Jamil, who is the Dean of SMCS and Director of CFMC.

The delegation, comprising faculty members, administrative staff, and students, engaged in an insightful session focused on youth leadership, media ethics, governance and national development.

In her remarks, Dr. Sidra Tariq Jamil highlighted UMT’s vision for international collaboration and policy-oriented research, reflecting the university’s commitment to intellectual growth and meaningful societal impact.

The Honorable Governor appreciated UMT’s contributions towards national development and expressed support for youth-centric academic initiatives.

Students also actively participated in an engaging Q&A session, gaining valuable insights into public service, leadership, and the role of media in shaping Pakistan’s future.

The visit concluded with a memento presentation and a group photograph, symbolizing mutual cooperation and a shared commitment to empowering future generations.

Beyond the Screen: Media Responsibility & Online Hate Speech

The School of Media and Communication Studies at the University of Management and Technology conducted an enlightening and insightful dialogue session on Online Hate Speech and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, bringing together policymakers, legal experts, media professionals, and students for a meaningful conversation on digital responsibility and ethical communication.

The session was graced by Former Governor of Punjab and Attorney General of Pakistan Sardar Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa and opened by SMCS Dean Dr. Sidra Jamil Tariq, who emphasized the responsible use of social media and the growing challenges posed by online hate speech.

Sardar Latif Khan Khosa highlighted the constitutional guarantees of freedom and stressed that laws, including PECA, must uphold the spirit of the Constitution of Pakistan.

Legal expert Chaudhry Faisal Nawaz discussed Article 11 of PECA and its implications regarding interfaith and racial hatred online, while Waqas Saeed delved into cybercrime prevention, victim support mechanisms, and the broader scope of PECA.

The dialogue was further enriched by useful contributions from Mustafa Kamal Pasha, Sana Agha Khan, and Ijaz Ahmed Dogar, who underscored the need for ethical journalism, media literacy, and responsible digital engagement in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.

All-in-all, it was a thought-provoking session aimed at empowering future media professionals to build safer, more informed, and responsible digital communities in Pakistan and across the world.

From Classroom to Control Room

In a rapidly evolving media landscape, staying ahead means being versatile, adaptive, and ready to take on multiple roles.

At SMCS, students got a powerful dose of industry insight during an engaging guest lecture by Qasim Saeed Sandhu, Director of Programs at 89 News TV. His message was clear: the future belongs to those who can do it all. From mastering control room dynamics to understanding real-world production workflows, the session bridged the gap between theory and practice, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in modern broadcast media. The lecture was organized by our dynamic faculty member, Assistant Professor Dr. Haroon ur Rasheed Baloch.

An interactive, insightful, and truly inspiring experience for our future media professionals!

The School of Media and Communication Studies at the University of Management and Technology organized a special event in connection with World Press Freedom Day by bringing together students and media professionals for a thoughtful discussion on freedom of expression, responsible journalism, and the evolving role of media in society.

Renowned TV host and analyst Ali Aneeq Syed, while addressing the students, emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental right but must be exercised with responsibility and awareness of its broader social impact. He urged aspiring journalists to remain mindful of ethical responsibilities while exercising their right to free speech.

Speaking on the future of journalism, Ali Aneeq Syed observed that although media platforms continue to evolve with technological advancements, the role of journalism remains indispensable. He noted that the human need for credible information ensures journalism’s continued relevance despite changes in communication technologies and digital platforms.

Highlighting contemporary media challenges, he said that journalists across the world, including in established democracies such as the United States and the United Kingdom, face increasing pressures and regulatory constraints. He remarked that the responsibility of journalists lies in communicating difficult realities in a balanced and professional manner that informs the public while minimizing unnecessary harm to stakeholders.

Discussing Pakistan’s regulatory environment, he referred to laws and frameworks such as Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Ordinance and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, stating that while such regulations often raise concerns regarding press freedom and digital rights, they remain open to public debate and legal contestation within democratic processes.

In welcoming the guest speaker, Dean of SMCS Dr. Sidra Tariq underscored the media’s vital role as a watchdog in ensuring reliability and accountability, and strengthening democratic values in society. The session was moderated by Dr. Haroon Baloch, who facilitated an interactive discussion with students on the future of journalism.