Joint Media Projects to Tackle Fake News by Pakistan and China
Pakistan and China have pledged to enhance cooperation in media by launching joint broadcasting initiatives aimed at curbing the rise of fake news and disinformation. The announcement was made during a significant meeting between Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, and Cao Shumin, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China.
According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting underscored the shared commitment of both nations to strengthening their longstanding friendship through deeper media, cultural, and interpersonal engagement. Both leaders emphasized the importance of developing a cohesive media narrative to tackle misinformation while promoting mutual understanding.
Key topics included enhanced technical training and institutional collaboration. Special focus was placed on a prospective agreement between China Central Television (CCTV) and Pakistan Television (PTV) to facilitate information exchange and co-produced content. Minister Tarar highlighted the role of Pakistani state media, including PTV, Radio Pakistan, and the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), in showcasing major Chinese development projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
He further emphasized the cultural impact of airing Chinese documentaries and programs in Urdu, which is helping cultivate intellectual and cultural links. The APP’s China News Service is also playing a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s image among Chinese audiences.
The meeting also explored the potential of digital collaboration, including influencer exchange programs, to energize public diplomacy in the digital age. Cao Shumin expressed confidence in Pakistan’s role as a trusted media ally and stressed that these initiatives would pave the way for deeper bilateral cooperation.
Together, both nations agreed to formulate a joint strategy to strengthen media collaboration and enhance their collective capacity to combat disinformation.