ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Monday highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to regulate digital media and combat the spread of misinformation across online platforms.
Speaking at the launch of Mazaj News, he proposed the creation of a Digital Media Association tasked with setting rules, standards, and accountability mechanisms for online news outlets.
Tarar said digital media has become a powerful instrument in shaping public discourse, especially during significant national campaigns, and stressed that platforms must operate responsibly. “It should not be the case that anyone can pick up a camera and start broadcasting news,” he remarked, pledging full government support for establishing the association, including assistance in registration and rules formulation.
He emphasized the role of digital media in promoting truth and projecting a positive image of Pakistan globally, particularly in countering hostile narratives and misinformation.
Tarar noted that Pakistan’s first digital communication department was established under his leadership, and he highlighted interest from countries such as Azerbaijan and support from D-8 member states to collaborate in tackling fake news.
The minister praised the contributions of coalition partners, including the Pakistan Peoples Party, and congratulated their candidate in Muzaffargarh on recent by-election success.
He also warned against malicious campaigns on social media aimed at undermining national security and state institutions, stressing that dialogue and participation in the democratic process remain the only productive responses to political disputes.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to both traditional and digital media, Tarar confirmed that official advertisements continue to be issued across television channels, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s media ecosystem.
