The Center for Excellence in Journalism at IBA partnered with AidData to host a specialized training programme on data journalism and development finance in Karachi. The programme brought together 25 journalists for an intensive week of learning focused on strengthening their ability to use data and analysis in reporting.
Throughout the workshop, participants explored a range of topics designed to deepen their understanding of development finance and improve their data storytelling skills. Alex Wooley led sessions on the history of development of finance and contemporary foreign aid models, offering valuable context for journalists covering economic and policy related issues. Sethu Nguna introduced participants to the fundamentals of working with data and demonstrated how journalists can use numbers to craft compelling and accurate narratives.
Participants also engaged in hands-on sessions in data visualization led by John Custer, learning practical techniques to present complex information in clear and engaging ways. The programme further expanded its scope with specialized modules including Global ranking of China’s expanding influence and investments in Pakistan, conducted by Shahzeb Jillani, which provided participants with insights into geopolitical data and investigative approaches to tracking foreign investments.
In addition, Khurram Hussain led sessions titled Stories buried in Open Source data: a look at Pakistan’s energy sector and Working with high frequency data - A closer look at The State Bank and other official data. These sessions enabled participants to navigate public datasets, uncover underreported stories, and better interpret economic indicators through real-world examples.
As part of the programme, economist and former finance minister Miftah Ismail joined participants at CEJ for a candid session titled Economic Reporting: The Good, the Bad, and the Missing. The discussion examined how economic issues are covered in the media, highlighting the questions journalists often overlook and the areas that require deeper scrutiny.
By combining technical training with thoughtful discussions on economic reporting, the programme equipped journalists with practical tools to interpret data, report on development finance, and produce stories that help audiences better understand complex economic realities.
