Pakistan emphasized stronger media collaboration, ethical journalism, and digital innovation during the SCO Media and Think Tank Summit in Bishkek, calling for joint efforts to promote regional peace and counter misinformation.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan: Director General of Radio Pakistan, Saeed Ahmed Sheikh, has called for enhanced cooperation among media organizations and think tanks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, saying stronger collaboration is essential for promoting regional peace, mutual trust, cultural harmony, and effectively countering misinformation.
Speaking at the SCO Media and Think Tank Summit in Bishkek, Sheikh said this year’s summit theme, “New Meaning of the Shanghai Spirit: From Shared Values to Practical Cooperation,” reflects the growing need for mutual trust, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and shared development among member states.
He noted that rapid advances in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and social media have transformed the global communication landscape. However, these developments have also increased the responsibility of media organizations to uphold truth, accuracy, impartiality, credibility, and the highest standards of ethical journalism.
Sheikh emphasized that public service broadcasters play a much broader role than simply delivering news. They contribute to preserving national heritage, strengthening social cohesion, promoting education, and fostering greater understanding among nations. At a time when misinformation can spread worldwide within minutes, he said trusted public media institutions are more important than ever.
Highlighting the legacy of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, widely known as Radio Pakistan, Sheikh said the organization has served the country for nearly eight decades by promoting credible journalism, preserving cultural heritage, strengthening national unity, and encouraging international friendship. He added that the broadcaster continues to embrace digital transformation while maintaining its professional integrity and public service mission.
Describing the SCO as an organization representing nearly half of the world’s population, Sheikh said it provides an effective platform for diverse civilizations and cultures to work together. He proposed expanding cooperation among broadcasters, news agencies, universities, and think tanks to encourage knowledge sharing, strengthen cultural exchanges, enhance people-to-people connections, and jointly address the challenge of misinformation.
The Radio Pakistan chief also proposed practical collaboration in joint media productions, news and program exchanges, journalist training, research partnerships, digital broadcasting technologies, and cultural programming. Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, and interconnected region, he said dialogue builds trust while cooperation creates opportunities for shared progress.
The two-day SCO Media and Think Tank Summit is jointly organized by China’s Xinhua News Agency and Kyrgyzstan’s Kabar News Agency, bringing together more than 300 media professionals, think tank experts, scholars, and policymakers from SCO member states.
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