Tarar for unified efforts to counter fake news in digital era

ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Monday stressed the urgent need to establish a Digital Media Association to bolster accountability and ensure greater responsibility across online platforms to curb spread of fake news.

Speaking at the grand launch of digital platform Mazaj News, he highlighted that digital media did play an effective and crucial role during Marka-e-Haq.

The minister emphasized that digital platforms have become indispensable in shaping public discourse and must be regulated with responsibility.

He said that the newly proposed association would formulate its own rules and regulations to combat misinformation, ensuring that certified media platforms operate within a transparent and accountable framework.
“It should not be the case that anyone can pick up a camera and start broadcasting news,” Tarar remarked, pledging full government support for the association, including assistance in registration processes and rules’ formulation.

Highlighting transformative expansion of digital media, the minister said online platforms now play a pivotal role in advancing ‘the battle for truth’, on the same pattern newspapers and television have historically contributed to
society.

He said digital platforms have emerged as a powerful and effective force in shaping public discourse during Marka-e Haq.

The minister emphasized the importance of countering hostile narratives by responding them in the same manner as well as projecting a positive image of Pakistan.

He emphasized that online platforms must be utilized to project a positive image of the country, while also highlighting the crucial role of digital media in combating the spread of fake news.

Tarar recalled that Pakistan’s first digital communication department was established upon his assumption of office as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting.

Azerbaijan has expressed interest in seeking training from Pakistan in the digital media sphere, he said and noted that member states of the D-8 group had also reaffirmed support to jointly combating fake news.

Responding to questions, the minister said Pakistan’s IT exports have recorded growth in the global market.

He praised Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for its consistent support as a coalition partner and congratulated the PPP candidate from Muzaffargarh on winning the by-elections.

On current challenges, Tarar cautioned against malicious social media campaigns aimed at undermining national security and state institutions.

He stressed that dialogue and communication remain the only effective way for resolving political issues, warning that boycott is a grave mistake in politics. “It is illogical and unjustified to level allegations of rigging without participating in the electoral process,” he added.

The minister affirmed that advertisements are being issued to all television channels in Pakistan, reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting both traditional and digital media sectors.