Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar has urged media houses, academia, and civil society to play their role to counter misinformation.

He was virtually addressing a dialogue titled “Can Facts Survive AI?, Fighting Misinformation Together,” organized by IBA Karachi.

The Minister said misinformation has emerged as a major challenge with the advent of artificial intelligence. He said the government has taken several steps to counter this menace, particularly through the establishment of Pakistan’s first digital communication department, which is now an allied department of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Attaullah Tarar also commended IBA for establishing the iVerify system to help cope with misinformation. He said systems like iVerify are essential not only to promote responsible journalism in Pakistan, but also to identify and counter fake news in an effective and timely manner.

Highlighting the importance of greater collaboration, the Minister said the government is already running a programme with the United Nations Development Programme to counter misinformation and to equip not only officers of the Ministry of Information, but also media professionals with the necessary skills.

Attaullah Tarar stressed that social media platforms must ensure the responsible use of artificial intelligence, whether in agri-tech, fintech, health tech, or any other sector.

He said AI should not be misused for ulterior motives or to promote ideologies that are contrary to national policy and social norms.