KARACHI: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST University) signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) on October 16, 2026, to open new avenues for women media students seeking practical experience and professional opportunities in journalism.

The collaboration seeks to narrow the divide between academic education and newsroom practice by facilitating paid internships, professional mentorship and industry exposure for aspiring women journalists.

The signing ceremony marked another step in PPF’s efforts to strengthen links between universities and the media industry, enabling women students to translate classroom knowledge into professional skills.

PPF acknowledged the contributions of Mr. Saqlain Zaidi, Head of the Department of Media Sciences and Ms. Donia Niaz, Manager, Department of University Advancement, whose support helped bring the partnership to fruition.

Dr. Wirsha will serve as the focal person for coordination between SZABIST University’s Department of Media Sciences and PPF, facilitating communication and activities under the collaboration.

The foundation also appreciated the participation and cooperation of the Department of Media Sciences faculty and Industry Linkages team in facilitating the signing ceremony.

The partnership forms part of PPF’s broader initiative to expand women’s access to journalism and media careers by bringing academic institutions and industry professionals closer together.

By combining university education with practical training and mentorship, the initiative aims to equip emerging women media professionals with the experience and guidance needed to navigate an evolving media landscape.