News Desk, Qaseem Shah:
In a groundbreaking step for education and digital empowerment in Balochistan, more than 500 faculty members and university students are being trained in Media Information Literacy (MIL) to fight the growing challenge of misinformation and fake news.
The initiative, supported by the European Union (EU) in Pakistan and implemented by Individualland Pakistan, aims to promote responsible media use, fact-checking, and critical thinking across the province’s higher education institutions.
Governor Balochistan Urges Critical Thinking in Media
At the opening ceremony, Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail highlighted the urgent need for media literacy:
“Politicians and representatives often overlook critical analysis of the information we receive. The rise of pop culture in politics and media must be balanced with Media Information Literacy. This program beginning in our universities is a positive step, and I pledge full support for its expansion.”
Chief Minister Commits to Youth Engagement
Concluding the three-day training in Quetta, the Chief Minister of Balochistan reaffirmed the government’s dedication to youth development:
“Media Information Literacy is essential for our younger generation. I have directed the Sports and Youth Affairs Department to integrate this program into the provincial Youth Engagement Plan so that every district in Balochistan benefits.”
EU-Supported Training Expands Across Universities
Led by Khoso Saifullah, Project Manager at Individualland Pakistan, the program envisions creating a nationwide movement for media literacy through both classroom teaching and digital platforms.
Over 30 faculty members from universities including University of Gwadar, University of Turbat, Lasbela University, Mir Chakar Khan Rind University (Sibi), Makran University Panjgur, BUITEMS Quetta, and Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University Quetta participated in the training.
Sessions were facilitated by experts including Khoso Saifullah, Mashhood Ali (Trainer), Abdul Shakoor (RTI Commissioner, Quetta), and Syed Ali Shah (Senior Journalist).
Faculty Feedback Highlights Impact
A professor from Makran University, Panjgur, shared their experience:
“For many of us, Media Literacy was a new concept. The training not only enhanced our knowledge but also improved our digital learning skills. Recognition from the Governor and Chief Minister has encouraged us to carry this mission forward.”
Building a Digitally Resilient Future for Balochistan
The program represents a transformational shift in Balochistan’s education sector, focusing on digital literacy, misinformation awareness, and youth empowerment. By equipping educators and students with fact-checking skills, the project strengthens Pakistan’s resilience against disinformation campaigns and encourages responsible digital citizenship.