Karachi: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has called on media houses, academia, and civil society to actively participate in combating misinformation. He made this appeal while virtually addressing a dialogue titled 'Can Facts Survive AI? Fighting Misinformation Together,' organized by IBA Karachi.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister highlighted that misinformation has become a significant challenge with the rise of artificial intelligence. He noted that the government has initiated several measures to address this issue, including the creation of Pakistan's first digital communication department, which now operates as an allied department of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Attaullah Tarar praised IBA's establishment of the iVerify system, which aids in handling misinformation. He emphasized that systems like iVerify are crucial not only for promoting responsible journalism in Pakistan but also for effectively identifying and countering fake news promptly.

The Minister underscored the need for greater collaboration, mentioning that the government is already working with the United Nations Development Programme to combat misinformation. This initiative aims to equip Ministry of Information officers and media professionals with the necessary skills to tackle this challenge.

Attaullah Tarar also stressed the importance of responsible use of artificial intelligence on social media platforms, whether in sectors like agri-tech, fintech, or health tech. He warned against the misuse of AI for ulterior motives or to propagate ideologies that conflict with national policy and social norms.