LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister’s Adviser on Artificial Intelligence and Special Initiatives Ali Dar has called for greater efforts to ensure the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), stressing the need for society to adapt carefully to rapidly emerging technologies.
He was speaking at a ceremony organised by the Punjab University Department of Digital Media on Tuesday to mark UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week. The event was attended by Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, PILDAT President Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, senior journalists Sohail Warraich and Muzammil Suharwardy, Department Chairperson Prof Dr Savera Shami, faculty members and a large number of students.
Ali Dar said AI was affecting every sphere of life, making it essential for people to understand the technology and its implications. He said the Punjab government was working to harness emerging technologies for public benefit.
He observed that the adoption of new technologies had historically taken time and that AI offered both convenience and opportunities as well as significant challenges. He stressed that ethical standards must be maintained across all forms of media.
Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said digital media had assumed great importance and universities had a responsibility to produce responsible journalists. Graduates should be professionally skilled, principled and ethical citizens equipped with knowledge of modern technologies, he added.
He said progress in artificial intelligence and new energy technologies was essential for national development and appreciated Prof Dr Savera Shami for organising the event. Senior journalist Sohail Warraich said technology made life easier and that learning to use it promptly could accelerate progress.
He welcomed initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between students and society and stressed the need for appropriate legislation to ensure the constructive use of technology.
Journalist Muzammil Suharwardy urged people to verify information before sharing social media posts, warning that the spread of misinformation could have serious consequences for individuals and society. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob said artificial intelligence would present challenges for future elections and democracy, adding that every technology had both benefits and drawbacks.
Prof Dr Savera Shami emphasised the urgent need to promote media and information literacy and called for its inclusion in educational curricula. She stressed that media literacy should be taught at the school level to help counter fake news and urged people to exercise freedom of expression responsibly.
Poster competitions were also organised among students during the ceremony. Outstanding participants received certificates of appreciation and cash prizes.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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