UNESCO in collaboration with Media Foundation 360 organized its second provincial consultation at DHA Safa University, Karachi, seeking input from key stakeholders to develop Pakistan’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) strategy. Gone.
The consultation prioritized inclusion through diverse representation and brought together policymakers, media professionals, academics, and civil society experts, all of whom contributed insights into the draft MIL strategy for Pakistan.
Among the distinguished speakers were Mayor of Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab. Senator Sarmad Ali, Senator Faisal Sabzwari, Mr. Shahab Zuberi. Group Chief, Business Recorder, Mr. Azhar Abbas, Managing Director, Geo News, Dr. Huma Baqaei, Analyst, Dr. Asma Ibrahim, Archaeologist, Mr. Mubasher Mir, Resident Editor, Daily Pakistan Karachi, Dr. Mudassarullah, Chief Librarian, Aga Khan University . , Ms. Aafia Salam, and Brig. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Saeed Minhas, Vice Chancellor DHA Safa University Karachi.
Prof. Dr Sawira Shami, Research Lead Chairperson on MIL Strategy, Department of Digital Media, Punjab University, outlined the objectives of the consultation, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement in creating a context-sensitive framework.
The speakers emphasized that MIL should be included in the national curriculum at the primary level. The discussion further explored the delicate balance between media regulation and control, with a common consensus that a media-literate society is essential to fostering constructive and informed social discourse.
Participants unanimously recognized the importance of protecting freedom of expression as a fundamental right and emphasized that it should not be used to spread misinformation or disinformation, which can erode social trust. And can disrupt constructive dialogue.
Participants stressed that strong and effective governance by the state is critical in closing down channels of disinformation and misinformation. He highlighted that good governance, marked by transparency, accountability, and proactive policy measures, plays a fundamental role in protecting the integrity of the information ecosystem.
The event featured three focused sessions, each addressing key dimensions of media and information literacy. The first session, “Building Resilient Societies: Media and Information Literacy as a Pillar of Social Cohesion,” explored how MIL can strengthen social cohesion by fostering critical thinking and informed engagement.
The second session, “Building an Inclusive Framework: Synergy of Media, Information and Literacy,” emphasized the need for an integrated approach to equip citizens with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape. The final session “Cultural and Linguistic Diversity:
A Cornerstone for Formulating MIL Policies” highlighted the importance of incorporating Pakistan’s cultural and linguistic diversity into MIL policies, ensuring inclusion and relevance while empowering communities through culturally sensitive strategies.