News Desk
Lahore, June 13, 2025:
The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), with support from the European Union, convened a high-level dialogue titled “Safer and Inclusive Media: Challenges, Opportunities and the Way Forward” at the Luxus Grand Hotel in Lahore. The event brought together journalists, government officials, media regulators, civil society representatives, and experts to discuss critical issues confronting the media landscape in Pakistan, with a focus on misinformation, deepfakes, and artificial intelligence (AI).
The event’s chief guest, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Mr. Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, addressed the audience, underscoring the media’s vital role in times of national and regional crises. He highlighted recent challenges arising from misinformation, particularly citing the spread of unverified news by Indian media that escalated bilateral tensions. He also raised concerns about the national and democratic implications of deepfake technology and AI-generated disinformation, emphasizing the need for responsible reporting and robust verification mechanisms.
Mr. Khan commended the Pakistani media for its adherence to journalistic integrity during recent cross-border tensions. He noted that credible and fact-checked reporting played a key role in maintaining public confidence and countering harmful narratives.
Ms. Ayesha Manzoor Watto, Chairperson of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), also delivered a keynote address. She expressed concern over the rapid spread of fake news and digitally manipulated content, which, she warned, is increasingly influencing public opinion and political discourse. Ms. Watto called for collaborative action among media organizations, regulatory authorities, and the general public to foster a more ethical and inclusive media environment.
Panel discussions, moderated by senior journalist Ms. Myra Imran, covered a range of themes including the evolving challenges of media ethics, the impact of AI on news credibility, and strategies for ensuring a free and inclusive press. Participants included prominent journalists, legal experts, and advocates of media freedom, who shared their perspectives on safeguarding journalistic standards while navigating technological change.
An open forum session followed the panels, allowing civil society leaders, media professionals, and government stakeholders to engage in dialogue and exchange ideas on strengthening media resilience.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Nousheen Khurram, Communications Manager at CPDI, thanked the participants for their contributions. She reaffirmed CPDI’s commitment to promoting ethical journalism, media safety, and democratic values in Pakistan.
The event served as a significant platform for stakeholders to examine current media challenges and identify actionable solutions for a safer and more inclusive information ecosystem.