ISLAMABAD: Speakers urged the media to strengthen responsible reporting practices and adopt digital verification tools to curb the rising spread of misinformation, fake news, and harmful online content in the fast-evolving digital landscape.
The seminar, titled “The Role of Media in Countering the Negative Impact of the Internet,” was organized on Thursday at the National Press Club through a collaboration of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), the National Press Club, and the Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR).
Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture, Shazia Rizwan, attended as the chief guest, while Minister of State Kheal Das participated as a special guest. The event was also attended by leading media professionals, journalists, trainers, and students.
Speaking on the occasion, Shazia Rizwan said journalism is a sacred profession and stressed the need for promoting responsible and constructive content, especially on digital and social media platforms. She noted that the role of journalists is becoming more crucial as misinformation trends rise globally.
Minister of State Kheal Das said modern technology has transformed journalism, making accuracy and tolerance of criticism essential traits in the industry.
He said fake news spreads rapidly, but digital systems and fact-checking tools can help counter corruption, misinformation, and misrepresentation.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt emphasized that journalists must evolve with the changing media landscape and remain committed to factual reporting. He warned that misinformation often stems from coordinated strategies aimed at influencing public perception.
RIUJ President Tariq Ali Virk said that digital media is an undeniable reality that cannot be ignored. He stressed that journalists must develop expertise in using digital tools and promote positive and constructive journalism.
National Press Club President Azhar Jatoi echoed the need for capacity-building in digital media practices and urged journalists to equip themselves with modern tools, verification skills, and ethical reporting standards.
Experts at the seminar highlighted that unchecked viral content, artificial intelligence–generated misinformation, and unverified reporting pose risks to national stability and public trust in media. They stressed the importance of fact-checking, digital security, and investigative journalism to protect credibility and strengthen a responsible news culture.
A large number of media students, practitioners, and senior journalists attended the event. Participants received training on media ethics, identifying fake content, and utilizing digital tools for responsible and effective reporting.
Speakers concluded that the media must not only report events but also play a decisive role in guiding society and safeguarding public awareness in the digital era.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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