FPCCI, PEMRA organize seminar on “National Dialogue on Future of Pakistan’s Digital Media”

LAHORE, Sep 24 (APP): Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh said on Thursday that whenever Pakistan faced challenging times, the media and national leadership had played a responsible and constructive role.

He particularly appreciated the effective use of digital and national media by DG ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry during the Marka-e-Haq, saying that his communication efforts helped present the facts and a clear picture of the situation to the nation.

A special seminar titled “National Dialogue on the Future of Pakistan’s Digital Media” was jointly organized by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) here at FPCCI Regional Office.

The seminar comprehensively examined six key areas: emerging opportunities in digital media and the economy; technological transformation and innovation; information credibility and responsible digital communication; a balanced and business-friendly regulatory environment and policy framework; digital literacy and positive youth inclusion; and pathways for investment, entrepreneurship, employment and economic growth.

The seminar was addressed by Zaki Aijaz, Regional Chairman and Vice President FPCCI; Ayesha Manzoor Wattoo, Director General PEMRA; senior journalists; Vice Chancellors of various universities; digital media and international relations experts; university faculty members; and attended by a large number of students. Participants shared their insights, recommendations and proposals on the future development of Pakistan’s digital media landscape.

Zaki Aijaz said that experts at the session had emphasized the importance of educating and training young people to enhance their digital media capabilities, appropriately regulating social media platforms, and developing indigenous social media platforms.

He stressed that Pakistan’s youth must be equipped with modern digital media skills and knowledge so that they can make a meaningful and productive contribution to this rapidly evolving sector. He added that participants had also proposed incorporating responsible social media usage and digital citizenship into educational curricula, along with developing indigenous search engines.

Ayesha Manzoor Wattoo said that digital media was no longer merely an extension of electronic media but had evolved into a distinct and increasingly important sector. She emphasized that digital media should not be viewed solely through the lens of media and communication, but also as an important component of the light economy, with significant potential for employment, entrepreneurship and economic activity.

Ayesha Wattoo further observed that with mobile phones now widely accessible, virtually everyone had the ability to create and share content. She noted that PEMRA’s responsibilities extended far beyond banning content or issuing notices, encompassing a much broader regulatory and public-interest mandate. She emphasized the need to maintain a strategic focus on national security, the national agenda and economic development.

The seminar provided a valuable platform for dialogue among policymakers, media professionals, academia, digital media experts and young people, with participants highlighting the need for a responsible, innovative, digitally literate and economically productive media ecosystem in Pakistan.