Islamabad:Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has identified fake and unverified news as one of the most significant challenges of the current era, emphasizing the need for effective mechanisms to verify information before it is disseminated. He addressed this issue at the 29th Sustainable Development Conference organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute in Islamabad.
According to Radio Pakistan, Minister Tarar stressed the importance of establishing effective mechanisms to combat fake news, highlighting that everyone faces this challenge. He noted the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's efforts, including the establishment of a Digital Communication Department, to ensure the dissemination of verified information to the relevant audiences.
The Minister also discussed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in media, suggesting that AI labeling and appropriate regulatory and legal frameworks are essential for managing social media content. He acknowledged that while electronic media has led to the development of regulatory frameworks and editorial systems, similar frameworks are needed for social media platforms.
Minister Tarar mentioned the establishment of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency to tackle cybercrimes and noted that laws have been strengthened to prevent digital offences. He clarified the government's stance on freedom of expression, asserting that there are no restrictions on free speech but that it must not cause harm under the guise of expression.
He also referred to the event Marka-e-Haq, commending Pakistan's media for its responsible role in countering misinformation circulated by Indian media and praised Generation Z for their social media skills during the event. Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the need for introducing specialized courses in digital media and increasing public awareness about the misuse of social media and AI.
Finally, he highlighted the importance of sustainable development for ensuring a better future for current and future generations, noting the government's collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.