QUETTA, Dec 3 (APP): Speakers at a seminar organized by the Press Information Department (PID), Quetta stressed that the youth must play a leading role in countering violent extremism and curbing the spread of misinformation on digital media.
The seminar, held under the PID’s Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) Project, brought together academics, journalists, and students to discuss strategies for tackling extremism, which has become deeply entrenched in society and is being fueled by the rapid circulation of false narratives on social media.
Project Director Shahid Imran Ranjha, professors Babrak Niaz and Dr. Muhammad Rahim Nasar, senior journalist Ayub Tareen, and Deputy Director PID Quetta Asad Khan Mandokhail addressed the gathering.
Speakers warned of the dangers posed by unchecked misinformation. “Extremism has infiltrated our society like a cancerous growth, and the wrongful propagation of news on social media has further fueled this evil,” the speakers noted.
They emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness among the younger generation through print and electronic media, educational curricula, and seminars. The goal, they said, is to mentally prepare youth to resist extremist ideologies and prevent the circulation of fake news.
Discussions highlighted the rapid expansion of social media, which now touches nearly every individual. The rising number of fabricated stories on digital platforms was identified as a major concern.
“The prevention of false news is only possible when we meticulously scrutinize the truth and the sources of the news we share,” a speaker explained. “If we engage in this critical reflection, we can stop the spread of false news.”
Participants cautioned that disinformation contributes to serious societal problems and must be addressed promptly. They urged youth to step forward and take responsibility in combating this challenge.
Earlier in the program, Project Director Shahid Imran Ranjha outlined the aims and objectives of the CVE initiative. The event drew a large number of students from universities across Balochistan.
The session concluded with the distribution of shields and certificates to participants by Project Director Ranjha and Deputy Director Mandokhail, recognizing their engagement in the campaign against extremism and misinformation.