Director General Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Pakistan), Saeed Ahmed Shaikh, has underscored the vital role of media and think tanks in strengthening regional cooperation, promoting mutual understanding, and countering misinformation across the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) region.

Addressing the SCO Media and Think Tank Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, he said the theme of this year’s summit, “The New Era Significance of the Shanghai Spirit: From Value Consensus to Cooperative Practice,” reflects the enduring principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and common development.

The Director General said the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and social media has transformed the global information landscape, making it even more important for media organizations to uphold truth, credibility, accuracy, and ethical journalism.

Highlighting the role of public service broadcasters, Saeed Ahmed Shaikh said such institutions not only provide authentic information but also preserve cultural heritage, strengthen national cohesion, promote education, and foster understanding among nations. He emphasized that trusted public media have become increasingly important at a time when misinformation can spread within moments.

Referring to Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, he said Radio Pakistan has, for nearly eight decades, remained committed to credible journalism, cultural preservation, national integration, and international friendship. He added that the Corporation is embracing digital transformation while maintaining the values of professionalism, impartiality, and public service.

The Director General said the SCO, representing nearly half of the world’s population, offers a unique platform to deepen cooperation among broadcasters, news agencies, universities, and think tanks. He stressed that greater collaboration would facilitate the exchange of ideas, strengthen cultural dialogue, promote people-to-people contacts, and effectively counter disinformation.

Saeed Ahmed Shaikh also proposed enhanced practical cooperation among SCO member states through joint media productions, content exchange, journalist training, research partnerships, digital broadcasting technologies, and cultural programming. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and interconnected region based on dialogue, mutual trust, and shared development.

The SCO Media and Think Tank Summit is being co-hosted by China’s Xinhua News Agency and Kyrgyzstan’s Kabar News Agency. The two-day event is being attended by more than 300 media professionals, think tank experts, policymakers, and intellectuals from across the Shanghai Cooperation Organization region.