Info Minister Calls for Global Partnership Against Online Extremism at D-8 Media Forum in Baku

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has called for stronger cooperation among D-8 countries to counter online extremism, disinformation and rising trends of Islamophobia. Speaking at the D-8 media forum in Baku, he proposed several collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening digital communication and improving crisis reporting across member states.

Tarar suggested forming a joint network of social media handlers from D-8 nations to collectively highlight narratives of economic progress and effectively counter hate speech and extremist propaganda. He emphasized that coordinated digital efforts are essential in shaping a more accurate and positive global perception of member countries.

The Minister also called for organizing joint workshops and training programs focused on crisis reporting, digital forensics and combating disinformation. These sessions, he said, would equip journalists and media professionals with the tools needed to navigate fast-evolving information challenges.

To further institutionalize cooperation, Tarar proposed establishing a joint working group of media ministries and industry experts that would meet regularly to share experiences, best practices and policy insights. He underscored the importance of building sustained partnerships to address the cross-border nature of online threats.

Highlighting Pakistan’s broader communication strategy, he stated that the government is prioritizing transparent communication, digital outreach and improved coordination among national media institutions. Pakistan is investing in strengthening state media platforms, modernizing digital outlets and enhancing the capacity of media professionals through updated training programs.

Tarar noted that the global information ecosystem is undergoing an unprecedented transformation driven by modern technology, which has amplified both the speed and scale of communication. He described digital media as the fastest-growing mode of communication, stressing the need to engage both “digital natives” and “digital immigrants” in this landscape.

He also emphasized that both state-run and private media organizations must work together to promote responsible journalism, ethical reporting and accurate storytelling. According to him, such collaboration is essential for maintaining credibility and ensuring that audiences receive reliable information.

The Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to media literacy, noting that empowering the public to identify misinformation is now a critical component of national communication policy.