AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: Director General Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Pakistan), Saeed Ahmed Shaikh, has emphasized the crucial role of media and think tanks in bolstering regional collaboration, fostering mutual understanding, and combating misinformation across the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) region.
According to Radio Pakistan, addressing the SCO Media and Think Tank Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Shaikh noted that this year’s summit theme, ‘The New Era Significance of the Shanghai Spirit: From Value Consensus to Cooperative Practice,’ embodies the core principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and common development.
Shaikh highlighted that the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and social media has reshaped the global information landscape. This transformation underscores the importance for media organizations to uphold truth, credibility, accuracy, and ethical journalism.
Saeed Ahmed Shaikh underscored the significance of public service broadcasters, stating that these institutions not only deliver authentic information but also preserve cultural heritage, strengthen national cohesion, promote education, and foster international understanding. He stressed that trusted public media are increasingly vital in an era when misinformation can spread rapidly.
Referring to the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, Shaikh affirmed that Radio Pakistan has been committed for nearly eight decades to credible journalism, cultural preservation, national integration, and international friendship. He noted that the Corporation is embracing digital transformation while maintaining professionalism, impartiality, and public service values.
Shaikh stated that the SCO, representing nearly half of the global population, provides a unique platform to enhance cooperation among broadcasters, news agencies, universities, and think tanks. He stressed that enhanced collaboration would facilitate the exchange of ideas, strengthen cultural dialogue, promote people-to-people contacts, and effectively counter disinformation.
He proposed increased practical cooperation among SCO member states through joint media productions, content exchange, journalist training, research partnerships, digital broadcasting technologies, and cultural programming. Shaikh reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to the vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and interconnected region grounded in dialogue, mutual trust, and shared development.
The SCO Media and Think Tank Summit is co-hosted by China’s Xinhua News Agency and Kyrgyzstan’s Kabar News Agency. The two-day event is attended by over 300 media professionals, think tank experts, policymakers, and intellectuals from across the SCO region.