ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a three-day training workshop emphasized the crucial role of the Pakistani media in fostering objective and factual reporting on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) mega project. The journalists are the source of information for the public, and their impartial reporting can convey reliable information about CPEC to the people of Pakistan, speakers said.
Organized by the Center for Democracy and Climate Studies (CDCS) for journalists from Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the workshop aimed to equip media professionals with the tools to counter negative propaganda against the game-changer project.
During the workshop, Bao Zhong, Counsellor of the Political and Media Section at the Embassy of China to Pakistan, acknowledged the vital role played by the Pakistani media in promoting CPEC and building a positive image of bilateral relations between China and Pakistan.
Zhong urged journalists to engage in impartial reporting to convey authentic information about CPEC to the public, countering misinformation and malicious media campaigns. She said that the Chinese embassy was always open to answering questions about CPEC or information related to any project initiated by the Chinese embassy.
Zhong expressed confidence in ongoing collaboration with the Pakistani government and encouraged citizens and media to contribute valuable insights for the continued success of China-Pakistan friendly ties. She highlighted the warm reception of Pakistani visitors in China, underscoring the reciprocal treatment she and her family receive in Pakistan. Motivated by these strong relations, she called for joint efforts to further deepen and strengthen cooperation, urging the passing on of this relationship from generation to generation.
While expressing appreciation for the robust foundation of China-Pakistan relations, Zhong highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts at both government and private sector levels. She encouraged increased business-to-business (B2B) cooperation and stressed the significance of empowering Pakistani youth to study in China, contributing to their homeland upon return. She urged a collective focus on these areas, seeking advice and active promotion from Pakistani media to maximize joint benefits.
Impartial Reporting on CPEC by Media
Former Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Naghmana Hashmi, emphasized the need for impartial media reporting on CPEC. She underscored the significance of CPEC for Pakistan, noting its contributions to energy and infrastructure development in the country, with the second phase focusing on poverty alleviation, socio-economic development, agriculture, and industrial progress.
Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad, former Vice Chancellor of Sargodha University, highlighted the media’s influential role in shaping public opinion about CPEC. He also pointed out that higher education institutions can play a crucial role in maximizing the real benefits of CPEC by bridging language and cultural gaps between the two countries.
Prominent journalists and anchors/analysts, including Javed Iqbal, Rasheed Safi, Aoun Sahi, Sherish Qureshi, and Muhammad Imran, participated in the workshop. The collective call from the speakers urged the media to act as a responsible source of information, contributing to the accurate portrayal of CPEC and countering any negative narratives that may be circulating.
