The Rabita Forum International (RFI), in collaboration with the Press Information Department (PID) Karachi, organized an insightful session titled “Role of Media in Promoting Social, Economic, and Strategic Stability” on August 29, 2024. The event aimed to address the growing concerns of misinformation and the critical need for media literacy in today’s digital age.
Chairman of RFI, Mr. Nusrat Mirza, inaugurated the session by highlighting the transformative impact of social media on Pakistan’s ethical, social, economic and strategic approaches. He emphasized that while social media empowers individuals to voice their opinions freely, it also poses significant challenges in managing the authenticity and impact of the shared content.
Ms. Erum Tanveer, Director General of Public Relations at PID, accentuated the importance of comprehensive media literacy training. She detailed PID’s initiatives to organize training programs for journalists nationwide, aiming to equip them with the skills to identify and counter fake news effectively. Ms. Tanveer pointed out the tendency of mainstream media to focus on negative news, advocating for responsible journalism to ensure balanced reporting. She stressed that unlike traditional media, social platforms lack gatekeepers, making it easier for misinformation to spread unchecked.
Ms. Sidra Azhar Dar, Correspondent for Voice of America, criticized mainstream media for overlooking crucial issues that gain traction on social media. She called for government intervention to bridge information gaps and ensure that significant topics receive adequate coverage.
Ms. Mah-e-Darakhshan, Assistant Professor of Media Studies at Bahria University, compared the influence of social media to nuclear power, highlighting its potent role in shaping public opinion. She advocated for integrating media literacy into educational curricula at all levels to prepare younger generations for responsible media consumption and to mitigate the influence of online personalities.
Mr. Qasim Farooq, Information Officer at PID, reinforced the need for enhanced media literacy and responsible communication. He discussed the role of media in driving social and economic changes and emphasized the importance of incorporating youth perspectives into policymaking to foster inclusive and strategic reforms. The session concluded with a consensus among the participants on the necessity of ongoing dialogue and collaborative efforts to address media-related challenges. Attendees agreed that fostering media literacy is essential for promoting social cohesion, economic stability, and strategic resilience in Pakistan.
