The production as well as consumption of information has transformed significantly due to the onset of social media platforms. While encouraging in terms of quick dissemination of information, it often comes with drawbacks in the shape of misinformation and disinformation which spreads with ever increasing speed among large sets of audiences. Resultantly, the lines existing between credible information and disinformation get blurred very easily.
In this backdrop, Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services organized a one-day Roundtable on Shaping Policy on Media and Information Literacy on Tuesday 13 May 2025 at its main campus in Islamabad. The event was organized in collaboration with UNESCO, Department of Digital Media, University of the Punjab, and Media Foundation 360. No less than 30 participants including 10 Members of Parliament and members of civil society, academics, policy makers and media men took interactive part to put forth set of key recommendations in event organized by PIPS Research Team.
The objective was to sensitize stakeholders to the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation and seek recommendations from Honorable Members of Parliament about media and information literacy. Hon. Mr. Huzaifa Rehman, Minister of State for National Heritage and Culture, was the Guest of Honor for the event which was attended by around 30 participants including Members National Assembly, Senate, officials from respective departments, representatives from UNESCO, academia, and media.
The event, which began with the recitation of verses from Holy Quran by Mr. Wajid Aslam, was moderated by Ms. Fakiha Mahmood, Deputy Director (Research) PIPS. Mr. Asim Khan Goraya, Executive Director PIPS, presented welcome remarks in which he thanked Honorable Members of Parliament for their participation in the event. He also eulogized the efforts of UNESCO and the Department of Digital Media, The University of Punjab, in highlighting the all imperative media and information literacy. Stating that “when trust in information breaks down, it becomes harder for societies to respond wisely, and easier for conflict and instability to grow,” he made the case for developing media and information literacy as a national response to a growing crisis.
Prof. Dr. Savera Mujib Shami, Chairperson Department of Digital Media, University of the Punjab, is currently the Research Lead for UNESCO project on Media and Information Literacy. She presented the draft strategy framework on media and information literacy. She began by highlighting the UNESCO efforts in Pakistan to advance access to information while upholding the cherished norm of freedom of expression. She stated that freedom of expression has its limits, it ends at the point where the rights of other individuals begin. In her presentation she underscored that the main “focus of this project is to develop a comprehensive strategic framework for media and information literacy policy in Pakistan through an inclusive consultation process involving all key stakeholders.” Her presentation was followed by the Panel Discussion on different aspects and dimensions of media and information literacy. Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research) moderated panel which began with brief introduction of all participants. He emphasized the need to work in unison to draw a policy on media information literacy especially through civic education, inclusion and spread of awareness messages against disinformation and mal-information in national languages, pod casts and education at secondary to university level. We need to develop curiosity to know truth through habit of enhancing research and rechecking of facts before agreeing to any information or news much before spreading same.
Hon. Syeda Shehla Raza, MNA/Former Deputy Speaker Provincial Assembly of Sindh, chaired the session and talked about “Media and Information Literacy as a Strategic Tool – Beyond Education.” With regards to policy integration and advocacy she emphasized the need to include media and information literacy into national education curricula starting from secondary level. This may include understanding how media works, recognizing biases, propaganda and fake news and encouraging responsible social media behavior. She underscored the need to adopt a holistic approach by developing partnerships among key stakeholders such as government, media organizations, civil society, educators, and technical platforms. She highlighted the role of youth and stressed the need to equip this particular group of society with skills to analyze, evaluate, and create responsible media content.
Mr. Muhammad Noshad Ali, Group Executive Editor, Daily Pakistan, Member Executive Committee Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AMEND), dealt the question “Has the information really democratized in the digital age?” He said that digital revolution has brought everything in our palms. However, challenges are emerging with growing information dissemination as media is becoming ever more commercialized. We need course correction in this regard.
Mr. Mubashir Bukhari, President Media Foudnation 360, Punjab Correspondent Rueters, talked about “The Dilemma Dialogue: Nudge, Ban, or Build Capacity?” He highlighted various issues within the media community. Moreover, He said that political parties should have media cells but they should not be utilized to spread misinformation and disinformation.
Hon. Pullain Baloch, Chairperson National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting/MNA, highlighted the problems of media in less developed parts of country especially his constituency. He lamented that information from mainstream media is disseminated in those areas at very slow speed. He underscored the need to inculcate ethics and sense of responsibility in the media sector for national cohesion and societal harmony.
Hon. Nawabzada Jamal Khan Raisani, General Secretary Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF)/MNA, highlighted how media misrepresented the facts happening on the ground by presenting real life case studies from his constituency. He shared personal experiences which demonstrated the spread of fake news alleging nepotism towards specific national politicians. He stated that unfortunately media often uses certain labels for certain groups which often manipulate reality and do not represent the truth.
Hon. Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, MNA, shared her personal experiences where she was exposed to fake news and propaganda from media circles. While actively participating in the roundtable discussion, she highlighted the challenges Members of parliament face in implementing the bills legislatures pass with majority.
Hon. Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui, Member National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication/MNA, lamented erosion of ethics and morality in media circles with regard to reporting. He highlighted how media presented news in factually incorrect manner, as a conflict between two individuals was portrayed as fight among two political parties. He said that political parties signed pacts among them-selves to in this regard but despite of written agreements there is lack of implementation.
Hon. Asia Naz Tanoli, Member National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting/MNA, highlighted the challenges she faced from media sector during her political career. She lamented that her efforts to come up with a piece of legislation on media was faced with criticism from relevant quarters. Ultimately, the legislation remained short of becoming an act of parliament.
Hon. Rana Ansar, Member National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting/MNA, recommended that like PIPS a state-of-the-art institution should be established to provide capacity building to members of journalist community. She highlighted the problems MPs face in implementing the acts of parliament. She stated that many laws exist but there is problem in implementing them. Hon. Senator Sarmad Ali joined the Roudntable in virtual format. He stated that a long list of legislative instruments exists on media. We need to club them together for better results.
Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, PIPS Director General (Research) summed up the recommendations of the interactive session that there is need to inculcate critical thinking, promote democratic tolerance and enhance curiosity amongst civil society especially the youth to make sure they develop habit of fact-checking and overcoming the vicious cycle of disinformation and propaganda.
Hon. Huzaifa Rehman, Minister of State for National Heritage and Culture, presented case studies of media regulation from other countries including India, US and UK and highlighted problems existing over there and questioned as to what model we need to adopt as benchmark. Each one has its problem. He said universities should groom students in media and information literacy. The MPs eulogized the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services for holding such an imperative roundtable on a nationally imperative issue. The event concluded with vote of thanks from PIPS, presentation of souvenirs and group photograph. PIPS Organising team comprised of Ms Tehseen Khalid Dir R, Ms Fakiha Mahmood DD Research, Mr Asif Ahmad Abro AD Research led by DG (Research).