KARACHI: Highlighting the ethical challenges emerging from the rapid technological advancement, speakers at a workshop emphasised the need to verify the information before sharing it on social media as unverified content can have both positive and negative impacts on society.
The workshop, titled “Media Literacy and Digital Rights”, was jointly organised by Karachi University’s Office of Research Innovation and Commercialisation (ORIC) and the Centre for Peace, Development and Initiatives (CPDI).
The event was held at the Zafar H. Zaidi Centre for Proteomics Auditorium on Monday.
Speaking at the event, KU Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Tufail Jokhio regretted that people in general were gradually drifting away from moral values, even though ethics had always been the foundation of any civilised society and an indispensable part of collective life.
He emphasised that religion clearly taught us to thoroughly investigate and verify any news before sharing it with anyone.
“Unfortunately, many people today rush to share information across groups and social media platforms without confirmation, merely to be the first to deliver the news. This is not only irresponsible but also unethical,” the vice chancellor noted.
He also observed that unverified sharing of images, videos, and other content on social media could lead to situations that may cause loss of life, social unrest, or damage to an individual’s dignity.
He stressed the urgent need to equip society with effective tools, skills, and mechanisms to curb the spread of false and misleading information and to ensure access to fact-based knowledge.
KU Director ORIC Dr Syeda Hoorul Ain recalled that a memorandum of understanding was signed last year with CPDI, aimed primarily at fostering civic consciousness in society.
She added that under this partnership, KU faculty members received training in media literacy, digital rights, and media awareness, and then served as master trainers to educate students. She mentioned that this initiative enabled students to spread awareness about democratic values, voting rights, and social responsibility.
She explained that the workshop sought to integrate the basic concepts of media, public policy, and public opinion, preparing students to contribute positively to policymaking and social development.
She informed the audience that in the second phase of the programme, titled “Charagh se Charagh” (Light from Light), students successfully completed various social action projects and public awareness campaigns following a four-day training session. The best teams were also awarded prizes.
Dr Hoorul Ain expressed hope that the partnership between KU and CPDI would continue effectively in the future to promote social responsibility, democratic awareness, media literacy, and positive social change.
Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2026
