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ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): Digital media and tech sectors must collaborate to build an inclusive, safe and resilient digital environment that ensures public access to credible information and provides citizens the opportunities to benefit from digital transformation.
These observations were shared by participants at the 2nd Annual Digital Dialogue summit on Wednesday in Islamabad.
The national conference was organized by Freedom Network with assistance from the International Media Support (IMS).
The summit brought together leading journalists, tech experts, academics, civil society representatives and digital rights advocates to discuss the future of Pakistan’s digital information ecosystem and public-interest media.
Panel discussions during the summit explored key financial, policy and governance challenges facing independent digital journalism and public interest tech development while exploring emerging opportunities presented by technological innovation, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Freedom Network’s Program Head, Minahil Shahab, said joint efforts and conversations are needed to navigate our AI-influenced future reality.
“The Digital Dialogue summit envisions creating a shared roadmap for a digitally empowered and inclusive Pakistan,” she said.
IMS Program Manager Adnan Rehmat highlighted the role of independent digital news media that are serving the information needs of local communities.
“These independent digital news outlets have showcased the diversity and pluralisms of our society while providing credible news that adheres to ethics and public-interest values,” he noted.
Owners and editors from prominent independent digital media outlets, including Times of Karachi, Hazara Express News, Tribal News Network (TNN), Voicepk.net and The Reporters shared their experiences, challenges and milestones in practicing public-interest journalism. They discussed how digital platforms have enabled new forms of engagement and storytelling despite resource constraints.
Zain Siddique, Editor at Dawn.com, noted that mainstream media has struggled due to weak revenue models.
“Without a sustainable business and revenue strategy, media outlets lose credibility and the trust of their audiences,” Siddique said.
Farhan Mallick, Editor and Founder of Raftaar, also highlighted the urgent need for financial stability of digital journalism.
“The future of media is digital platforms, but sustainability and long-term viability remain the biggest challenges for independent media,” he said.
Panelists also examined the different ways in which AI is reshaping content creation, distribution algorithms and newsroom workflows. Usama bin Mansoor, Deputy Manager Projects at the Ignite National Technology Fund, said Ignite was adopting the pillars of the National AI Policy 2025 in its work and also recently launched an AI competition to invite students, researchers and startups to build AI solutions that could create social impact.
The Digital Dialogue Summit participants called for the need for stronger collaboration among media, technology, academia and civil society stakeholders to support a rights-respecting digital ecosystem.