Pakistan moves toward National Media Literacy Policy through Literacy Dialogue

ISLAMABAD(News desk )National Dialogue Sets Stage for Pakistan’s Media and Information Literacy Policy

A high-level national dialogue was convened in Islamabad to advance the development of Pakistan’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Framework. The event united stakeholders from government bodies, academia, media organizations, and civil society, aiming to combat misinformation and bolster digital literacy nationwide.
The conference was jointly organized by UNESCO, Media Foundation 360, SZABIST University Islamabad, and the Department of Digital Media at the University of the Punjab. It marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to promote critical media engagement and digital responsibility.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, delivered the keynote speech. He warned of the mounting dangers posed by misinformation and disinformation in today’s digital era. He also pledged to take the proposed MIL framework to the federal government for review and implementation, calling for a cohesive national strategy to address these challenges.
UNESCO’s National Programme Officer, Hamza Sawati, opened the session by underlining the urgent need for a national media literacy policy. He emphasized the importance of fostering critical thinking and responsible online behavior and reiterated UNESCO’s enduring support for MIL initiatives in Pakistan.
Dr. Savera Mujib Shami, Chairperson of the Department of Digital Media at Punjab University and lead researcher for the project, shared key findings and policy recommendations drawn from consultations held across provinces and districts. Her presentation laid the groundwork for what is expected to become an inclusive and impactful MIL policy.
Mr. Khusro Pervaiz Khan, Head of SZABIST Islamabad Campus, highlighted the vital role of educational institutions in preparing students to responsibly navigate digital media. He affirmed SZABIST’s dedication to nurturing analytical and media literacy skills among youth.
Canadian High Commission Political Counsellor, Mr. Daniel Arsenault, also addressed attendees, commending the collaborative approach being taken to create a comprehensive national MIL framework.
Veteran journalists and media professionals, including Asma Shirazi, Mohammad Malick, Amir Ilyas Rana, Hamid Mir, Nawaz Raza, Faisal Zahid Malik, Zafar Ullah, and Afzal Butt (President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists), shared insights during the dialogue. They underscored the significance of the initiative, highlighting the media’s duty in fostering an informed public and countering digital falsehoods. Several also called for educational reforms and public awareness campaigns to enhance media literacy at all levels.
Participants appreciated the inclusive and consultative nature of the event. There was strong consensus that the recommendations presented would contribute to an effective and actionable MIL policy. The dialogue concluded with a shared resolve to uphold democratic values, encourage ethical digital conduct, and strengthen societal resilience against misinformation.