Islamabad, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in strengthening media cooperation with the United Kingdom during his meeting with the British High Commission’s Political Counselor, Zoe Ware, in Islamabad this past Friday. The two dignitaries deliberated on issues including the challenges posed by disinformation, the significance of the UNDP’s Safe Digital Environment programme, and potential collaboration in the fields of film and drama.

According to a news release by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Highlighting the longstanding relationship between the two countries, Solangi shed light on the growing concerns regarding misinformation, disinformation, and the spread of fake news on social media platforms. He underscored the role of UNDP’s Safe Digital Environment programme in addressing these issues. The programme aims to empower key government bodies and their personnel to detect and counter the spread of hateful narratives and disinformation online.

With an eye towards the future, Solangi discussed the prospects of utilizing Britain’s contemporary media curriculum to facilitate the training of Pakistani journalists. In this initiative, the Information Service Academy will play a pivotal role, hosting sessions designed to raise awareness about disinformation and narratives rooted in hatred.

Moreover, the importance of film and drama as tools to showcase a nation’s culture and foster a positive global image was also a topic of conversation. Solangi took the opportunity to update Counselor Ware on the forthcoming elections in Pakistan, emphasizing that the polls will proceed according to the timeline set by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

In response, the British High Commission’s Political Counselor assured her commitment to enhancing bilateral ties between the two nations in all discussed domains.