LAHORE: Participants in a conference highlighted the need for ethical journalism, inclusive narratives and regional media cooperation in the context of digital transformation.

Media and Communication Academic Professionals and Beaconhouse National University jointly organised a two-day international conference under the theme “Reclaiming Hope: Media, Activism & Social Justice.” The event addressed issues related to media and communication.

Academics, journalists, policymakers and media professionals from Pakistan and other countries attended the conference to discuss challenges facing contemporary media and communication.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr Moeed Yusuf, Vice Chancellor, Beaconhouse National University, along with Javed Jabbar, Ambassador Mansoor Ahmed Khan, Prof Dr Bushra H. Rehman and Prof Svetlana Bodrunova.

Dr Yusuf spoke about engagement with information and the role of academic institutions in promoting media literacy and knowledge production.

Over two days, the conference included plenary sessions, parallel academic discussions and interactive forums. Themes included a workshop on “Chinese Art in the Digital Age,” journalism and social justice, media activism and the rights of marginalised communities, digital inclusion, ethical issues in media, and the impact of emerging technologies on journalism.

Discussions also covered regional media collaboration with reference to China-Pakistan media cooperation, cross-border academic exchange and the role of media literacy in regional understanding and connectivity.

International participants and national panellists included Prof Dr Nico Carpentier, Prof Dr Jeffrey Wimmer, Prof Dr Fatima Elzahra, Prof Dr Jason Gainous, Mazhar Abbas, Talat Hussain, Fariha Idrees, Nasir Jamal, Salima Hashmi, Seemi Raheel, Munizae Jahangir, Nadia Jamil, Usman Peerzada, Mahnoor Chaudhry, Dr Altafullah Khan, Dr Khalid Jamil Akhtar, Dr Taranjit Singh Butalia and Fareed Ahmed Tareen.

A lifetime achievement honour was awarded to Javed Jabbar for his contribution to the media and communications industry.

In addition to plenary discussions, the conference held parallel research sessions, career counselling and consultancy sessions, and technical and creative workshops aimed at promoting academic collaboration, professional engagement and dialogue between scholars and practitioners.

The 11th MCAP-BNU International Media Conference 2026 concluded with emphasis on media literacy as a tool for informed citizenship, storytelling and regional and global engagement.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2026