On June 12, the Governor of Balochistan, Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, warned that the misuse of the media is widening the gap between the government and the youth.
During an interactive session at the Governor’s House with media activists trained under the Individual Land initiative, Mandokhail expressed concerns about the misuse of media platforms which, he said, often amplify negative narratives that could distance the government from younger demographics. The session focused on the importance of aligning public discourse with ground realities and fostering media literacy. The governor stressed that the abundance of information accessible via smartphones increases the responsibility.
Mandokhail described every mobile phone as a potential newsroom that can globally disseminate voices and visuals, underscoring the necessity to verify information thoroughly before sharing. He urged the training participants to serve as community fact-checkers, advocating for the spread of only objective and verified information.
Moreover, the Governor linked digital rights to community leadership, emphasising that safeguarding privacy, freedom, and online safety are fundamental rights that future leaders must uphold. He concluded the session by extending his best wishes to the organisers and participants, hoping the training would enhance media literacy, protect digital rights, and promote social harmony across Balochistan.
In a related event on April 21, Governor Mandokhail emphasised the government’s commitment to press freedom. At an awards ceremony in Quetta, hosted by the Balochistan International Think Tank, numerous journalists were recognized for practising responsible journalism. The event highlighted the vital role of responsible journalism in sustaining democracy and truth.
During the ceremony, Governor Mandokhail acknowledged the challenges faced by journalists in Balochistan and commended their dedication to factual reporting, which has notably enhanced the province’s image globally. He reiterated that the freedom and courage demonstrated by the media are essential for accountability and governance.
