Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday highlighted the significance of social media, calling it an \u2018essential tool\u2019 in promoting citizen engagement, transparency and participation in government and political processes.<\/p>\n
\u201cCitizens\u2019 engagement, transparency and participation in government and political processes have been revolutionized by social media platforms, enabling instant communication, mobilization, and dissemination of information,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The minister expressed these views while addressing an event titled \u201cDigital Democracy in Action: Enhancing Engagement through Social Media,\u201d organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).<\/p>\n
He said social media platforms provided spaces for dialogue, enabling people from all walks of life to voice their opinions, share concerns, and contribute to the national and political discourse, adding \u201cThe democratization of communication fosters a more inclusive and participatory political environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
As of 2023, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan had over 71 million social media users, representing a penetration rate of approximately 31 percent of the total population. \u201cThis widespread use signifies the potential reach and impact of digital engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said social media had the potential to enhance government transparency and accountability through real-time updates and direct communication channels, under which government officials could keep the public informed about policy decisions, developments, and initiatives.<\/p>\n
\u201cSocial media has proven to be a powerful tool for mobilizing communities and advocating for social change. It empowers grassroots activism and ensures that marginalized voices are heard,\u201d the minister observed.<\/p>\n
The minister also warned of the potential risks associated with social media, including misinformation and fake news, which could lead to public panic, social unrest and undermine trust in democratic institutions.<\/p>\n
He cited a survey conducted in 2022, which found that almost two-thirds of Pakistanis encountered fake news on social media at least once a week.<\/p>\n
Despite these challenges, he stressed for harnessing social media\u2019s potential for educational outreach, mobilizing communities and advocating for social change.<\/p>\n
He encouraged responsible social media usage to promote inclusivity, participation, and transparency in Pakistan\u2019s political landscape.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday highlighted the significance of social media, calling it an \u2018essential tool\u2019 in promoting citizen engagement, transparency and participation in government and political processes. \u201cCitizens\u2019 engagement, transparency and participation in government and political processes have been revolutionized by social media platforms, enabling instant communication, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":407123,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-417268","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n