Governor Balochistan stresses responsible media use to bridge gap with youth

QUETTA, Jun 12 (APP):Governor Balochistan, Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, has warned that the misuse of media is widening the gap between the government and youth, with social media often amplifying negative and destructive narratives. He warned that propaganda and rumors fuel mistrust and disillusionment, stressing that the battle of narratives can only be won through truth and verified information.

Speaking at the Governor’s House during an interactive session with media activists from across Balochistan, trained under the “Individual Land” initiative on media literacy and digital rights, Jaffar Mandokhail highlighted the urgent need to align public discourse with ground realities and the interests of the people. He noted that today, more books are accessible on a personal mobile phone than in any major library, underscoring the responsibility that comes with such access.

The Governor emphasized that digital information technology has transformed every mobile phone into a newsroom, bringing global voices and visuals into living rooms. With this convenience, he said, comes the responsibility to ensure accuracy and integrity. He described media literacy training as a vital necessity, enabling participants to understand how media operates, who creates messages, and how fake news can be identified and countered. “In a civilized society, the first line of defense is the rejection of false news and fabricated statements,” he remarked, pointing out how fake stories, rumors, and manipulated images can spread fear and distress within minutes.

Jaffar Mandokhail urged the trainees to act as “fact-checkers” in their communities, spreading only objective and verified information. He stressed that their vigilance could protect society from the harmful effects of social media. He further linked digital rights with community leadership, explaining that privacy, freedom, and online safety are fundamental rights that future leaders must safeguard while promoting patriotism and national values among the younger generation.

Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail extended best wishes for the success of the organizers and participants, expressing hope that the training would empower activists to play a constructive role in strengthening media literacy, protecting digital rights, and fostering social harmony across Balochistan.