MIL integration into national policy frameworks discussed

ISLAMABAD: The Unesco, in collaboration with the Media Foundation 360, the Department of Digital Media at the University of the Punjab and the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), held a technical session titled “Shaping National Policy: Enhancing Policymakers’ Understanding of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Challenges”.

The session brought together parliamentarians from the Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, media professionals, communication strategists, and academic experts to discuss the integration of MIL into the national policy frameworks. Held at the PIPS, the event deliberated on how MIL can serve as a tool to combat disinformation, foster critical thinking, and build democratic resilience among citizens, particularly youths.

PIPS Executive Director Asim Khan Goraya emphasized the importance of equipping policymakers with strategic insights into the risks posed by misinformation in the digital age.

Department of Digital Media Chairperson Prof Dr Savera Mujib Shami highlighted the strategy’s focus on embedding MIL into Pakistan’s educational curricula, media practices, and governance systems, with an emphasis on youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and ethical digital engagement.

The Officer-in-Charge of the Unesco Office in Pakistan, Antony Kar Hung Tam, underlined the Unesco commitment to supporting Pakistan in building inclusive knowledge societies. He reiterated the organization’s vision of empowering citizens to navigate the complex digital information landscape safely and responsibly.

The concluding session was chaired by Minister of State for National Heritage and Culture Huzaifa Rehman. Participants included Senator Sarmad Ali, Pullain Baloch, Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting; MNA Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani, General Secretary of the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF), Members of the National Assembly Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui, Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms Rana Ansar, and Ms Asia Naz Tanoli.

Mubashar Bukhari, president of Media Foundation 360; Noshad Ali, group executive editor of Daily Pakistan; and Amina Ali, a culture and communication strategist, also took part in the roundtable, contributing valuable insights. The event marked a pivotal milestone in the collaborative development of Pakistan’s first National MIL Strategy, reaffirming the nation’s dedication to fostering digital resilience, strengthening civic engagement, and advancing an inclusive, knowledge-based society.