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In a significant event marking the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq Bunyan un Marsoos, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) hosted a thought-provoking seminar addressing the critical role of media ethics in combating disinformation. The seminar, titled “Media Ethics as a Shield Against Disinformation,” was jointly organized by IUB’s Digital and Social Media Society and the Law Students’ Society.
The event brought together media professionals, academics, and students in a timely discussion as Pakistan faces growing challenges related to misinformation in an increasingly digital landscape. According to recent studies, social media penetration in Pakistan has reached over 46 million users, making the issue of digital literacy and responsible information consumption more pressing than ever.
Mr. Baqa Ul Mohsin, Bureau Chief at Discover Pakistan, delivered a compelling address on how ethical media practices form the foundation of societal development. “Societies that embrace truthfulness and transparency in their information ecosystem invariably prosper,” Mohsin emphasized. His remarks highlighted the economic and social consequences of misinformation, which costs the global economy an estimated $78 billion annually, according to recent research.
In one of the seminar’s most notable moments, Dr. Jam Sajjad Hussain, Advisor to IUB Digital and Social Media Society, referenced the 2025 conflict between Pakistan and India—what Pakistani authorities dubbed the “War of Truth.” Dr. Hussain explained how this confrontation was largely waged through information channels rather than conventional warfare, with Pakistan’s commitment to factual reporting proving decisive in the international arena.
“The battlefield of the future is increasingly digital,” Dr. Hussain stated. “Nations that maintain ethical standards in their media operations gain strategic advantages in international relations and conflict resolution.”
Dr. Hasan Sial from the Faculty of Law provided valuable insights on the legal dimensions of combating fake news. He stressed the interconnection between legal frameworks and journalistic integrity, noting that “effective legislation provides the backbone for media accountability, but must be balanced with press freedom protections.”
The timing of the seminar coincides with increasing government efforts to regulate digital content in Pakistan. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has recently proposed new guidelines for social media platforms, raising important questions about balancing regulation with freedom of expression—issues that were thoughtfully addressed by the panelists.
Mr. Mian Arif Saeed from the Department of Law contributed to the discussion by examining comparative international approaches to media regulation, providing context on how other nations address similar challenges.
The event was skillfully moderated by Syed Jahanzeb Shah, President of IUB Digital and Social Media Society, who guided the discussion through complex terrain while ensuring diverse perspectives were represented. The audience comprised students, faculty members, and representatives from local media outlets.
This seminar represents part of a broader initiative by Pakistani educational institutions to promote media literacy amid rising concerns about digital disinformation. The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan has recently emphasized the importance of incorporating media ethics into university curricula across disciplines.
The Marka-e-Haq commemoration at IUB included several other events designed to promote national unity and critical thinking. These initiatives reflect growing recognition among Pakistan’s educational leaders about the importance of information integrity in maintaining social cohesion and democratic processes.
As the event concluded, certificates and commemorative shields were presented to speakers and organizers in recognition of their contributions to this important dialogue. The success of the seminar highlights IUB’s commitment to fostering informed public discourse on pressing national issues.
This gathering of minds at IUB represents a significant step in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to navigate the complex information landscape of the 21st century while preserving journalistic integrity and public trust in media institutions.
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10 Comments
Media ethics is a complex and nuanced topic, but it’s so important to get right, especially in an age of rapid information sharing. I’m glad to see this seminar tackling the issue head-on. Curious to hear the perspectives shared by the media professionals and academics.
Yes, it will be interesting to see what practical solutions or best practices emerge from the discussions. Responsible information consumption is key, so raising awareness on media ethics is a good place to start.
Combating disinformation is a critical challenge, and this seminar on media ethics seems like a timely and important initiative. I’m curious to learn more about the specific recommendations or best practices that emerge from the discussions. Responsible journalism is the foundation of a well-informed society.
The economic and social consequences of misinformation are significant, as the speaker rightly pointed out. This seminar seems timely given Pakistan’s growing social media user base. I hope it leads to meaningful change in how information is produced and consumed.
Combating disinformation is a global challenge, but it’s good to see local efforts like this seminar addressing the issue. Media ethics and digital literacy are crucial foundations for a healthy information ecosystem. I’m curious to learn more about the specific recommendations that come out of this event.
Interesting to see a seminar on media ethics and combating disinformation. With the rise of social media, it’s more important than ever for the public to be able to discern truth from fiction. Responsible journalism is crucial for a well-informed society.
I agree, the growing challenge of misinformation is a serious concern that needs to be addressed. This seminar seems like a positive step towards promoting media integrity and digital literacy in Pakistan.
Interesting to see this seminar focused on media ethics and disinformation. With the rise of social media, these issues have become increasingly complex. I’m curious to hear the perspectives shared by the media professionals and academics participating. Responsible information consumption is key.
Agreed, it’s crucial that the public is equipped with the tools to discern truth from fiction, especially when it comes to the news and information they consume online. Promoting media ethics and digital literacy should be a priority.
Transparency and truthfulness in media are bedrocks of a functioning democracy. This seminar on media ethics is a welcome step, especially in an age where misinformation can spread rapidly online. I hope it sparks deeper discussions and concrete actions to strengthen journalistic integrity.