Azma urges proactive strategy to counter anti-state narratives
Stresses importance of promoting media literacy, critical thinking, responsible digital behaviour in educational institutions
LAHORE – Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari has directed relevant departments to adopt a timely, fact-based and coordinated strategy to counter disinformation, hate speech and anti-state propaganda. She issued these directions while chairing the fourth meeting of the Information Steering/Review Committee, which reviewed progress on the implementation of the revised National Action Plan in Punjab. Secretary Information Punjab Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani and representatives of relevant departments attended the meeting. The secretary briefed participants on progress made on decisions taken during the previous meeting.
The meeting reviewed departmental coordination, responsible dissemination of information and measures to counter misleading narratives, negative propaganda, hate speech and anti-state content. Bukhari said disinformation and negative narratives could not be countered through a reactive approach alone, stressing the need for a proactive, timely and fact-based strategy. She directed all relevant departments to work in close coordination and develop a joint strategy to address emerging challenges. The minister said the Information and Culture Department was playing an effective and proactive role in achieving the objectives of the National Action Plan. She also called for effectively highlighting Pakistan’s achievements and the national narrative during Marka-e-Haq. Expressing concern over the impact of misleading and negative content on digital and social media platforms.
Azma Bukhari said young people and students were particularly vulnerable to fake information, hate speech and propaganda. She stressed the importance of promoting media literacy, critical thinking and responsible digital behaviour in educational institutions. The minister directed that school counselling services and other relevant forums be effectively engaged to raise awareness among students. She called for special initiatives to educate students about responsible social media use, identifying fake and misleading information, and fact-checking. Bukhari said developing critical thinking and media literacy skills among students was essential to help them distinguish between verified information and fabricated content. She added that educational institutions could play a key role in promoting social harmony, tolerance and a positive national narrative. The meeting decided that all relevant institutions would enhance their role in countering disinformation, hate speech and anti-state propaganda through improved coordination and a more effective joint strategy.
