Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the importance of combating fake news and disinformation through enhanced fact-checking and media integrity during a meeting with Muhammad Saleem, Chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), in Islamabad today. The meeting focused on discussing the challenges and responsibilities of media in the digital age.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, President Zardari reviewed the PEMRA Report for 2021-23, which outlines the regulatory body’s efforts and achievements in overseeing Pakistan’s media landscape. During the discussions, the President urged the media to maintain the highest standards of journalism and contribute positively to promoting societal values such as tolerance and unity.
The President also highlighted the need for PEMRA to adopt modern tools and technologies to enhance its regulatory capacity and develop a skilled workforce capable of handling the evolving challenges of modern communication technologies. He stressed the importance of the media’s role in shaping public opinion responsibly and constructively.
Additionally, President Zardari called for a robust code of conduct to curb misinformation and propaganda, underscoring the need for media practitioners to engage in responsible reporting and information dissemination. He also pointed out the significance of media in raising awareness about socio-economic issues and promoting a positive image of the country.
Chairman PEMRA shared insights on the authority’s strategic role and initiatives in regulating and developing a dynamic media environment in Pakistan, to which President Zardari expressed his full support for further strengthening the regulatory framework.