No Formal Information Literacy Programme in Place, NA Told
News Desk
Islamabad: The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that no formally structured “Information Literacy Programme (ILP)” is currently operating under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; however, its affiliated departments are undertaking various initiatives aimed at promoting media and information literacy across the country.
Responding to a question by Naeema Kishwar Khan, Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Daniyal Chaudhry said that while there is no programme functioning under a specific ILP title, several institutions under the ministry are implementing awareness and capacity-building activities through different platforms.
He said Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) is conducting training courses and awareness programmes through multiple forums. The PTV Drama and Film Academy is also organizing capacity-building initiatives for media professionals, focusing on digital literacy, artificial intelligence (AI), ethical journalism, credible news production and public awareness content.
Similarly, the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), through Radio Pakistan, is promoting media and information literacy nationwide, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
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Through its Programme Wing and News and Current Affairs Channel, the corporation integrates themes such as responsible use of information, digital awareness and countering misinformation into its broadcasts in 23 languages. These programmes cover educational, youth, women, religious and current affairs content.
The Parliamentary Secretary further informed the House that the Press Information Department (PID) is conducting outreach and awareness activities through its Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Cell.
Over the past two years, PID has organized seminars, training sessions and communication campaigns addressing fake news, cybersecurity, national security, Kashmir, the economy and youth empowerment.
The Press Council of Pakistan (PCP), he said, is supporting media literacy through internship programmes and seminars in collaboration with universities, UNESCO and other stakeholders, focusing on ethical journalism and combating misinformation.
He added that the Information Service Academy (ISA) is conducting specialized training programmes, mid-career courses, AI workshops and academic outreach activities during 2024-25, integrating information and media literacy, ethics and digital communication skills into its curricula.
The Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) is also contributing by ensuring accurate and ethical dissemination of news and organizing regular training sessions on fake news, AI in journalism and media ethics.
Chaudhry informed the House that a series of seminars involving active participation of schoolchildren, including three international-level programmes, had recently been organized.
In addition, Radio Pakistan’s morning transmissions are addressing social media and other contemporary issues. He said three more similar programmes are planned at the Press Council to further expand outreach efforts.
