Islamabad, Dec 7: To promote discussion on digital governance and freedom of speech in Pakistan, the Institute for Research Advocacy and Development (IRADA) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organized a nationwide consultation here. The implementation of UNESCO’s Guidelines for Governance of Digital Platforms, which seek to strike a balance between the issues of harmful online content and disinformation and the right to free speech, was the main topic of debate.
The UNESCO Officer-in-Charge in Pakistan, Antony Kar Hung Tam, emphasized the necessity of teamwork in addressing these problems. He stated that everyone must combat false information and damaging content on the internet while preserving the right to free speech and information access.
Similar worries were expressed by government representatives. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s Director General, Muhammad Shahzad, stressed the significance of controlling hate speech and misinformation without stifling free speech. The Director General of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Ahmed Shamim Pirzada, noted that the problems with digital governance are not exclusive to Pakistan and that international collaboration is necessary to find answers.
A framework for digital governance is provided by the UNESCO Guidelines, which call on governments, online platforms, and civil society organizations to guarantee that human rights are upheld in the digital sphere. Along with media literacy, cultural diversity, and strong content control procedures, these also include self-regulation, co-regulation, and statutory methods.
Pakistan led a resolution to combat misinformation while preserving freedom of expression and information access at a recent UNESCO Executive Board meeting in October 2024. The resolution urged governments, the media, and internet platforms to work together and use evidence-based strategies.
By international human rights rules, the session emphasized the significance of fact-checking campaigns, digital and media literacy education, and open technological solutions as essential instruments to counteract misinformation.In order to collect recommendations from a range of stakeholders, including media professionals, academia, and civil society, UNESCO and IRADA held four provincial-level meetings prior to the national consultation. Throughout the national tournament, these inputs were polished and showcased.
Participants suggested several actions, including enhancing stakeholder cooperation. advancing information and media literacy. improving internet platforms’ accountability and content regulation. A panel discussion covered these issues in detail, laying the groundwork for a national regulatory framework that complies with UNESCO’s recommendations.
In order to encourage the application of the consultation’s suggestions, UNESCO and IRADA intend to create a multistakeholder advocacy forum. In order to successfully control digital platforms, this forum will concentrate on developing evidence-based initiatives that combine regional issues with international best practices.
A plan for putting the Guidelines for Governance of Digital Platforms into practice is another result of the consultations. The roadmap’s main objectives are to safeguard fundamental liberties, promote an inclusive and safe online environment for Pakistani residents, and enable digital rights. By implementing these programs, UNESCO and its partners are laying the groundwork for a model of digital governance that protects free speech while tackling the urgent issues of the digital era.
