Baku: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has proposed the creation of social media handlers for the D-8 countries to promote economic development narratives and counter issues like islamophobia and terrorism. Addressing a ceremony at a D-8 media forum in Baku, he stressed the importance of organizing joint training sessions and workshops focused on crisis reporting, digital forensics, and combating disinformation practices.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister also urged the establishment of a joint working group comprising media ministries and professionals that would meet regularly to share experiences. He emphasized the need for D-8 nations to build partnerships to combat online extremism and hate speech across the region.

Tarar highlighted that the government of Pakistan prioritizes transparent communication, digital representation, and enhanced coordination among media institutions. He outlined Pakistan’s strategic communication and crisis management policies, noting efforts to strengthen media platforms and empower public broadcasters and digital outlets with modern tools and training.

The Minister stated that Pakistan is committed to capacity building for media professionals, equipping journalists with modern skills, and imparting media literacy to the public to better identify misinformation. He mentioned that the global information landscape is experiencing significant transformations, amplified by the speed, scale, and influence of modern technology.

Tarar described digital media as the fastest mode of communication and called for collaboration between digital natives and digital immigrants. He emphasized the essential role of both state and private media institutions in promoting responsible journalism, ethical reporting, and accurate storytelling.