Islamabad: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar stressed the importance of training for journalists and digital freelancers during a training programme held in Islamabad this evening. The minister emphasized that such training is crucial for enhancing the country’s image and protecting vulnerable groups from fake news.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Minister Tarar highlighted the significant growth of the digital space and the consequent need for news verification to provide a true perspective to the public. He pointed out that misinformation, especially about the economy, can severely impact vulnerable economies and adversely affect society.

During his address, Tarar mentioned that training initiatives like this are essential for building society, bridging community gaps, and eradicating religious extremism and hate speech on social media platforms. He also expressed concern over vulnerable and marginalized communities being targeted through digital media for nefarious purposes.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to freedom of speech and journalism, as guaranteed by the Constitution, and affirmed that a better use of digital space can promote a positive national image and ensure a safe environment for citizens.

Furthermore, Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja also spoke at the event, describing fake news as a significant challenge in today’s digital journalism landscape. She underscored the importance of equipping journalists with modern techniques to ensure responsible journalism and combat disinformation effectively.