By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Senior journalists and representatives of civil society from different walks of life visited the regional office of the Press Information Department (PID) in Dera Ismail Khan, where they held a meeting with the in-charge, Dr Muhammad Fazlur Rehman, to discuss growing concerns over fake news, misinformation and anti-state propaganda.
The visiting delegation included senior journalists Abu-ul-Muazzam Turabi, Irfan Mughal, Muhammad Rehan and Sheikh Tauqeer Ikram, along with Mahmood Khan, general secretary of the Small Industries Association, and Central Muslim League leaders Maqsood Hussain, Qari Ehsan and Hafiz Mushtaq.
During the meeting, participants held a detailed discussion on the increasing spread of fake news and negative propaganda, the need to protect the younger generation from misleading information, and strategies to counter anti-state narratives. They noted that in the digital age, the rapid circulation of unverified news and false content has begun to have serious consequences for society, particularly influencing the thinking, attitudes and character of young people.
The participants stressed that addressing this challenge is a shared responsibility and requires coordinated efforts by the media, political leadership and the business community. They underlined the importance of promoting responsible journalism and ensuring that only authentic, credible and verified information is disseminated to the public.
The delegation also described the recent surge in what they termed anti-state propaganda and hostile activities by India following the success of Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos as a reflection of frustration. They reiterated that the people of Pakistan stand united with the armed forces and are fully resolved to thwart all internal and external conspiracies against the state.
Members of the delegation reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a positive, constructive and pro-state narrative from their respective platforms, with the aim of raising public awareness and safeguarding the younger generation from misleading and harmful propaganda.
It was also agreed that similar consultative meetings would continue in the future to strengthen coordination between stakeholders and to enhance collective efforts against fake news and disinformation.
