Ahsan Urges Pakistani Media to Shift Focus Beyond Politics

News Desk

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, urged Pakistani media to broaden its focus beyond political reporting and promote ethical journalism amid rapid technological changes.

Speaking as the chief guest at the “Journalism of The Future” summit organized by DW, he discussed the transformative challenges facing media today.

Prof. Iqbal addressed the shift from mass media to micro-media platforms, emphasizing that while micro-media allows for diverse voices, it also contributes to misinformation, polarization, and societal divides.

He stressed the importance of balancing freedom of speech with cultural and societal sensitivities, noting that Pakistan, like other societies, has its own set of values that must be respected in media practices.

Reflecting on the rise of misinformation and hate speech, Prof. Iqbal shared his personal experience of being targeted by hate-driven attacks on social media. He called for effective regulatory frameworks to address misuse of social media without impinging on freedoms, particularly in relation to religious sentiments.

On the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism, the Minister predicted that AI could soon generate 70-80% of news stories. He urged the media industry to embrace AI responsibly, ensuring that journalistic ethics and human oversight remain intact.

Prof. Iqbal also advocated for media diversification, encouraging Pakistani outlets to focus more on tourism, culture, and economic issues.

He highlighted the need for journalists to adapt to societal changes, empowering them to make a meaningful impact.

Concluding his address, he commended Pakistani journalists for their resilience and called for collaboration among media professionals, policymakers, and tech leaders to foster a balanced and ethical media environment.