Pakistan and ASEAN Must Strengthen Cooperation To Combat Fake News - Veteran Pakistan Journalist

From Muhammad Afiq Mohd Asri

ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- As misinformation spreads rapidly across social media, Pakistan and ASEAN nations must deepen their collaboration to tackle the growing challenge of fake news, according to a veteran Pakistani journalist.

Farhan Bokhari of the Financial Times Pakistan noted that while technological advancements have revolutionised the media industry, they have also intensified the challenge of combating misinformation.

“News consumption has shifted from traditional newspapers to a 24-hour digital cycle. Today, even in rural areas, people access information through smartphones,” he told Bernama recently, sharing his experience as a veteran Pakistani journalist during the ASEAN-Pakistan Media/Journalist Exchange Programme here.

While this digital transformation allows real-time information sharing, it also amplifies the risk of misinformation, he said.

With 34 years of journalism experience, Farhan stressed that fake news is not just any country's problem but a global crisis that demands a collective response.

“As social media expands, the spread of misinformation has become a major challenge for governments and media organisations worldwide.

“Institutions, government bodies and journalists must continuously update their knowledge to effectively combat misinformation. Training and awareness programmes are crucial to help media professionals verify facts and uphold journalistic integrity,” he said.

On the potential for Pakistan-ASEAN cooperation, Farhan highlighted the need for journalist exchange programmes to strengthen professional ties and enhance reporting standards.

“Young journalists from Pakistan and Southeast Asia can benefit from cross-border training. These programmes not only improve reporting standards but also foster deeper economic and cultural ties,” he said.

He said tackling fake news requires global collaboration as no country wants to be a victim of false reports and misinformation.

The ASEAN-Pakistan Media Exchange Programme, which runs from Feb 17 to 22, is being organised by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting with support from the ASEAN Secretariat.

The initiative brings together 23 journalists from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste to foster media collaboration and strengthen regional ties.

-- BERNAMA