QUETTA: Press Information Department officials and media experts on Tuesday stressed the need for promoting digital media literacy and curbing the spread of fake news on social media platforms.
Speaking at a seminar titled “Achieving Social Harmony and National Unity through Digital Media Literacy”, Deputy Director of the Press Information Department Quetta, Asad Khan Mandokhail, said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was taking steps to ensure accuracy and responsible reporting in both state and private media, particularly on digital platforms.
He said no institution could succeed in its mission without the cooperation of people associated with the relevant field, adding that the spread of misinformation on social media had become a serious challenge.
Mr Mandokhail urged journalists and media workers to play their role in preventing the dissemination of false information, describing it as a national and moral responsibility.
Addressing the seminar, Professor Muhammad Rahim Nasir said the younger generation must be educated about the dangers of misinformation so they could contribute positively towards promoting truth and responsible communication in society.
He said media literacy was essential, particularly for journalists, who could play a key role in preventing the spread of fake news. He also called for wider public participation in such seminars to raise awareness about responsible use of social media and verification of online information.
The speakers also highlighted the role of digital platforms in countering extremism and terrorism by promoting the state narrative and creating public awareness.
The seminar was also addressed online by Director General Counter Violent Extremism Tahira Syeda, Director Shahid Imran Ranjha and Deputy Director Rana Mujtaba, who shared their views and experiences regarding the prevention of fake news on digital media.
