DLP Report
PESHAWAR
A one-day consultative workshop and review session was organized in collaboration with the Department of Journalism at the University of Peshawar, the Institute for Research and Advocacy (Irada), and UNESCO. The event aimed to gather multi-stakeholder feedback on UNESCO’s recommendations for ensuring effective and healthy internet governance.
In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peshawar, Professor Muhammad Naeem Qazi, called on journalists, civil society, national information institutions, and regulatory bodies to work collectively to ensure the timely and reliable provision of data and evidence for credible news.
He emphasized that Islamic values also prohibit the investigation and dissemination of unverified news.
“Credible journalism is the foundation of a healthy society, and it is essential that we uphold these standards in all forms of media,” Professor Qazi remarked.
During the workshop, journalists and civil society members highlighted the need for a robust regulatory framework not only for Pakistan’s electronic media but also for mobile phone companies and social media platforms. They argued that these platforms have been violating consumers’ rights to a healthy internet and effective communication.
Professor Faizullah Jan, Chairman of the Department of Journalism, noted that the continuous decline in internet services in the country was detrimental to both business and media sectors, stressing the need for better governance in the digital space.
Aftab Alam, Director of Irada and media researcher, expressed his gratitude to the journalists and civil society members of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for their active participation in the consultative workshop. He acknowledged their role in fulfilling their responsibilities towards a more informed and accountable society.
The workshop aimed to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to address the challenges of internet governance and contribute to the creation of a more transparent and reliable digital media landscape.
