Brainstorming session convened to develop the initial media and information literacy strategy
Turning the Tide: Empowering the Pakistani Populace With Media Literacy
Palpable shifts are afoot as Pakistan gears up to cultivate an enlightened, media-savvy populace. A landmark affair, organized by UNESCO in collaboration with Media Foundation 360, University of Punjab's Department of Digital Media, and Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), recently converged in Islamabad under the banner, "Shaping National Policy: Bridging the Divide in Media and Information Literacy (MIL)".
This spectacular gathering saw a melting pot of renowned lawmakers, parliamentarians, media professionals, communication strategists, and academic heavyweights roll up their sleeves and engage in a deeply insightful discourse on MIL's integral role in bolstering Pakistan's policy foundations.
Set against the backdrop of PIPS Seminar Room-II, the event transcended an informative forum, acting instead as a crucible for the interrogation of MIL's potential as an indispensable weapon to combat the rampant tide of disinformation, nurture critical thinking, and bolster democratic vitality amongst citizens — especially the youth.
Opener of proceedings was Asim Khan Goraya, Executive Director of PIPS, who made impassioned pleas to instil in policymakers an unwavering understanding of the perils posed by the misinformation-infested digital landscape of today.
Prof. Dr. Savera Mujib Shami, helming the Department of Digital Media and strategy development linchpin, then drew the curtain on the draft National MIL Strategy's core tenets. She zeroed in on the strategy's vision of intertwining MIL within Pakistan's educational curricula, media practices, and governance systems, owing special attention to youth empowerment, gender inclusivity, and the pursuit of ethical digital engagements.
Antony Kar Hung Tam, UNESCO Office in Pakistan's Officer-in-Charge, addressed the assembly, optimistically relaying UNESCO's steadfast pledge to support Pakistan's quest for building inclusive, cyber-savvy societies. Tam emphasized UNESCO's commitment to championing citizens' ability to navigate the convoluted digital information landscape safely and responsibly.
The session unfolded into an animated panel discussion and roundtable dialogue, presided over by Syeda Shehla Raza, National Assembly member. The conversation orbited around the inclusive urgency to endow the youth with critical thinking prowess, champion civic education, and inculcate democratic values to uphold a steadfast bulwark against the insidious onslaught of disinformation. Participants discussed the strategic application of MIL beyond the classroom, with aspirations to cultivate stronger public discourse and societal cohesion.
Closing proceedings were ushered in by Huzaifa Rehman, Minister of State for National Heritage and Culture, who beseeched participants to enlist their acumen to help steer Pakistan toward a future where MIL is etched deep within national policy frameworks, fortifying an informed, ethically conscientious, and digitally nimble citizenry — a testament to the country's unwavering determination to align with global standards and uphold democratic values.
- Given the discussion at the "Shaping National Policy: Bridging the Divide in Media and Information Literacy (MIL)" event, it is crucial to incorporate MIL into the educational curriculum to provide our youth with the skillset to critically evaluate technology-driven general news and mitigate risks associated with misinformation.
- As the Pakistani government remains committed to promoting media literacy, it is valuable to emphasize the importance of education-and-self-development programs that encourage ethical digital engagements, nurturing critical thinking and fostering democratic values, particularly in the context of rising technology and general news.
