- Key Detail: LAHORE - Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister on Artificial Intelligence and Special Initiatives Ali Dar on Tuesday stressed the need for responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and greater awareness of emerging technologies. Addressing a ceremony organized by Punjab University’s Department of Digital Media to mark UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week, he emphasized that artificial intelligence was transforming every facet of life, making it crucial for society to understand and adapt to this rapidly evolving technology. He stated that the Punjab government was actively taking steps to leverage emerging technologies. While artificial intelligence offers significant opportunities and conveniences, it also presents challenges that require cautious management and strict adherence to ethical standards. Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali emphasized that universities must play a pivotal role in training responsible journalists who were equipped with both modern digital skills and strong ethical values. Furthermore, he highlighted that advancing AI and new energy technologies is vital for national development. Senior journalist Sohail Warraich noted that while technological advancement could accelerate progress, robust legislation was essential to ensure its positive impact. Echoing the need for digital responsibility, journalist Muzammil Suharwardy urged social media users to verify information before sharing, warning that spreading misinformation carries severe consequences. PILDAT President Ahmed Bilal Mehboob highlighted that while every technology had its advantages and disadvantages, artificial intelligence poses unique challenges to future elections and democratic processes. Chairperson Department of Digital Media Prof Dr Savera Shami called for incorporating media and information literacy into educational curricula, particularly at the school level, to combat fake news and promote responsible freedom of expression.Faculty and students gathered in large numbers to attend the vibrant ceremony. Alongside the main event, an exciting poster competition drew high engagement from participants. The day wrapped up by honoring top-performing students with well-deserved certificates of appreciation and cash rewards.
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Addressing a high-profile symposium to mark UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week, Advisor to the Punjab Chief Minister on Artificial Intelligence and Special Initiatives Ali Dar emphasized the urgent need for ethical artificial intelligence adoption, robust digital governance, and heightened technological awareness across Pakistan’s educational ecosystem.
Ethical AI Deployment and Provincial Strategic Initiatives
The conference, organized by Punjab University’s Department of Digital Media in Lahore, brought together policymakers, senior media practitioners, academics, and hundreds of students to examine how emerging computational tools are reshaping public discourse and workforce readiness. Ali Dar highlighted that artificial intelligence is actively transforming every facet of modern life, making it essential for Pakistani society to rapidly understand and adapt to evolving technologies. He noted that the Punjab government is actively taking strategic measures to leverage artificial intelligence for public benefit while warning that the convenience of automation must be balanced with strict adherence to ethical safeguards and prudent management.
Higher Education’s Dual Role: Advanced Skills and Democratic Safeguards
Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali underscored the institutional responsibility universities carry in preparing the next generation of communicators. He stated that higher education institutions must play a central role in educating journalists who combine modern digital competencies with unyielding professional ethics. Prof. Ali also noted that advancing artificial intelligence alongside new energy technologies remains vital for broader national development and economic sovereignty.
Addressing the civic dimensions of technological acceleration, PILDAT President Ahmed Bilal Mehboob warned that while every technological transition offers benefits, artificial intelligence introduces complex vulnerabilities to future electoral integrity and democratic institutions. Concurrently, veteran journalist Sohail Warraich emphasized that technological expansion alone cannot guarantee equitable development without comprehensive legislative frameworks. Adding to the call for personal and professional accountability, journalist Muzammil Suharwardy urged internet users to rigorously verify source material before sharing, noting the compounding harm of unchecked digital misinformation.
Curricular Reforms and Practical Student Engagement
Proposing tangible educational interventions, Chairperson of the Department of Digital Media Prof. Dr. Savera Shami advocated for formal integration of media and information literacy into standard educational curricula, with an immediate focus on school-level learning. Early instruction, Dr. Shami argued, equips students with critical verification capabilities to counter fake news while fostering responsible freedom of expression. For Pakistani parents and prospective students, these institutional recommendations signal an impending shift toward multidisciplinary curricula where digital ethics and AI competencies are embedded into foundational education.
The ceremony concluded with direct recognition of student innovation through an inter-departmental poster competition. Top-performing participants were presented with merit certificates of appreciation and cash rewards, showcasing practical academic engagement alongside high-level policy dialogue.
Symposium Overview & Policy Takeaways
| Focus Dimension | Key Findings and Institutional Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Convening Event | UNESCO Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week, hosted by Punjab University’s Department of Digital Media. |
| Provincial Strategy | Punjab government pursuing active deployment of emerging technologies with strict ethical parameters (Ali Dar). |
| Academic Priorities | Journalism training rooted in digital tools and ethics; strategic expansion of AI and new energy disciplines (Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali). |
| Curriculum Reform | Proposal to institutionalize media and information literacy across school-level educational curricula (Prof. Dr. Savera Shami). |
| Legislative & Democratic Oversight | Call for statutory tech legislation (Sohail Warraich) and safeguards against AI disruption in electoral processes (Ahmed Bilal Mehboob). |
| Student Recognition | Interactive poster competition concluding with official certificates of appreciation and cash prizes for top entries. |
Source: nation.com.pk.
Source: nation.com.pk