SARGODHA: The University of Sargodha (UoS), in partnership with UNESCO and Media Foundation 360, organized a pivotal workshop aimed at enhancing media and information literacy (MIL) across Pakistan. The event, titled “Sargodha Consultation on Strengthening Media and Information Literacy Policy Framework in Pakistan,” sought to lay the groundwork for a national framework on MIL.
The workshop, themed “Empowering Minds for a Safer and Informed Digital Society,” gathered a diverse mix of stakeholders, including journalists, media professionals, social media influencers, and academics. Notable attendees included Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ilyas from UoS and Dr. Savera Mujib Shami, an MIL expert from the University of the Punjab.
Dr. Mudassar Hussain Shah of UoS highlighted the university’s initiative under Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas to create guidelines for media literacy programs. He emphasized that the workshop serves as a step towards a national dialogue on media literacy.
In a keynote address, Dr. Savera Mujib Shami stressed the necessity of media education in combating information disorder. She underscored the importance of critical media skills for protecting democratic values.
A panel discussion led by Muhammad Noshad Ali examined how MIL can foster social cohesion. Participants advocated for critical thinking and ethical media practices to combat misinformation.
Mubashar Bukhari of Media Foundation 360 discussed the significance of cultural and linguistic diversity in shaping MIL policies. The workshop concluded with calls to integrate MIL into all educational levels and emphasized digital literacy training.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ilyas concluded the event by highlighting the shared responsibility of building a media-literate society. Certificates were distributed, marking a significant advancement in national media literacy efforts.