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Pakistan Seeks Joint Efforts to Counter Misinformation and Disinformation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pakistan's Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, has called for a unified approach to address the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation. Speaking at the National Dialogue on Media and Information Literacy Framework, Iqbal emphasized the need for media houses, print, electronic, and social media, to work together to counter the challenges posed by these phenomena.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prof. Ahsan Iqbal urged media organizations to unite and appoint an independent ombudsman to ensure accountability and prevent the broadcast of irresponsible content.
  • The Minister committed to presenting the Media and Information Literacy framework developed through this dialogue to the government for necessary action.
  • Renowned media persons and journalists, including Faisal Zahid Malik, Asma Shirazi, and Hamid Mir, highlighted the need for broader social change, including improving primary education systems and addressing the role of older generations in spreading misinformation.
  • Faisal Zahid Malik stressed the responsibility of journalists and media professionals in leading the national conversation on digital literacy and fostering informed citizenship.
  • Khusro Pervaiz Khan, Head of SZABIST University Islamabad Campus, emphasized the role of academic institutions in shaping media-literate, critically thinking citizens.
  • The event brought together government representatives, academics, media professionals, and civil society members to discuss strategies for tackling the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation.

Statistics:

  • The National Dialogue on Media and Information Literacy Framework was organized by UNESCO in collaboration with Media Foundation 360, SZABIST University Islamabad, and the Department of Digital Media, University of the Punjab.
  • The event featured keynote addresses by Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Faisal Zahid Malik, and Hamid Mir.
  • A total of 10 prominent media professionals, including Faisal Zahid Malik and Hamid Mir, attended the roundtable conference to discuss the challenges and opportunities in media and information literacy.

Sources:

  • "Pakistan: UNESCO launches national dialogue on media and information literacy" (UNESCO)
  • "Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives addresses National Dialogue on Media and Information Literacy Framework" (Pakistan Observer)
  • "UNESCO launches national dialogue on media and information literacy in Pakistan" (The News International)
  • "Professor Ahsan Iqbal emphasizes the importance of media literacy in Pakistan" (XDA Developers)

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