News Analysis |
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Tuesday said that the government wanted to build the first “Media University”, which would have a dedicated technological hub for future generations.
Chaudhry was chairing a meeting regarding the establishment of a “Media University” along with Information and Broadcasting Secretary Shafqat Jalil, Higher Education Commission Chairperson Tariq Banuri and other senior officials.
The minister said that the internet age had changed the paradigm with a manifold increase in the importance of social media. “It is imperative to learn innovative skills needed to practice and participate in the media industry,” he stressed.
Saif Chi, Huawei country head, expressed his keen interest in contributing to the project and briefed the meeting in detail on the company’s ongoing collaboration with various educational institutes in Pakistan.
Experts believe that the traditional modes of reporting and newspaper-like analysis have drastically been changed now. Online web portals and social media have replaced age-old modes of information. In the 21st century, media is the most powerful weapon of war.
Therefore, Pakistan is now focusing on media capability. According to media reports, the landmark “Media University” is being established by merging the training academies of the Pakistan Television (PTV), the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) and the information service.
Its curriculum would be devised in consultation with all the stakeholders and will cover a wide range of subjects, including courses on drama production, and film and cinema studies.
Read more: Media University: Government to combat info warfare with education
“The students will not only be imparted education about news media and other journalistic disciplines but will also be trained in the best digital technological practices prevalent in the media sector,” Chaudhry said.
Pakistani media lacks technological sophistication which often creates complications when Indian media predominately shapes international narrative against Pakistan. In the age of information warfare, the states are expected to focus on establishing modernized media universities where students may learn about the prevalent trends and techniques to counter propaganda.
Moreover, the information minister also sought the assistance of renowned telecom company Huawei and its partnership for establishing a technical school as part of the “Media University”.
Read more: The Doctrine of Information War and Global Dynamics
Saif Chi, Huawei country head, expressed his keen interest in contributing to the project and briefed the meeting in detail on the company’s ongoing collaboration with various educational institutes in Pakistan.