Ahsan Iqbal Calls for National Unity to Combat Misinformation, Vows to Present Media Literacy Framework to Govt

ISLAMABAD – July 11, 2025 — A high-level National Dialogue on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) was held in Islamabad on Thursday, bringing together key stakeholders from government, academia, media, and civil society to address the growing threats of misinformation and disinformation in Pakistan.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, delivered the keynote address, stressing the urgency of countering the harmful spread of false information. He pledged to present the proposed Media and Information Literacy Framework to the government for action, calling for a collective national effort to tackle digital misinformation.

The event, held at Idara Faroogh-e-Qaumi Zuban, was organized by UNESCO in collaboration with Media Foundation 360, SZABIST University Islamabad, and the Department of Digital Media, University of the Punjab, as part of UNESCO’s initiative to develop a robust MIL policy framework in Pakistan.

In his opening remarks, UNESCO National Programme Officer Hamza Sawati welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of media literacy in promoting critical thinking and responsible digital behavior. He reaffirmed UNESCO’s ongoing commitment to strengthening media literacy initiatives in the country.

Dr. Savera Mujib Shami, Chairperson of Punjab University’s Department of Digital Media and Research Lead for the project, presented an overview of the extensive provincial and district-level consultations held nationwide. She shared key recommendations that will inform the national MIL policy framework.

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Khusro Pervaiz Khan, Head of SZABIST Islamabad, expressed his institution’s strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the role of academia in cultivating media-literate, critically engaged citizens. He reiterated SZABIST’s commitment to empowering students with the tools needed to navigate the digital information landscape responsibly.

Daniel Arsenault, Political Counsellor at the Canadian High Commission, also addressed the audience and lauded the collaborative efforts being undertaken to develop Pakistan’s first Media and Information Literacy policy framework.

Prominent media personalities — including Ms. Asma Shirazi, Mr. Mohammad Malick, Mr. Amir Ilyas Rana, Mr. Hamid Mir, and Mr. Nawaz Raza, along with Mr. Faisal Zahid Malik (CEO, Pakistan Observer), Mr. Zafar Ullah (former Executive Director, PIPS), and Mr. Afzal Butt (President, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists) — participated in a panel discussion. They praised the initiative as timely and vital in combating disinformation and promoting responsible media consumption.

Speakers called for broader systemic change, including reforms in primary education and greater awareness among older generations who are often vulnerable to spreading misinformation. They also stressed the responsibility of media professionals to lead by example in fostering digital literacy and informed civic engagement.

The dialogue drew positive feedback from participants across sectors, who praised its inclusive approach and relevance. The insights and recommendations gathered during the event will contribute to the formulation of a comprehensive national MIL policy, aimed at boosting digital literacy, safeguarding democratic values, and enhancing Pakistan’s resilience to the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation.