Pakistan, China agree to enhance media ties to combat fake news
This agreement was reached during a meeting between Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and Party Secretary of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China Minister Cao Shumin.
Both sides agreed that strengthening media, cultural, and people-to-people relations would introduce new dimensions to the longstanding Pakistan-China friendship, reported Radio Pakistan on Thursday.
The two leaders discussed enhancing technical training and institutional collaboration, with an emphasis on developing a unified narrative to counter the spread of fake news.
They also talked about the potential agreement between China Central Television (CCTV) and Pakistan Television (PTV) to promote the exchange of information and foster cooperation between the two broadcasters
Tarar expressed Pakistan's readiness to translate this bilateral media cooperation into practical steps.
He highlighted the crucial role of state-run PTV, Radio Pakistan, and the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) in communicating Chinese development projects, including the Belt and Road Initiative and CPEC, as well as cultural ties among the people of both countries.
He also pointed out that PTV is strengthening cultural and intellectual bonds by airing Chinese programmes, documentaries and news reports in Urdu.
APP's China's News Service, Tarar said, is successfully conveying Pakistan's narrative to Chinese readers.
Both leaders agreed that the media organisations of both nations are crucial in bridging the gap between the two peoples and promoting societal understanding and mutual harmony.
They identified further opportunities for collaboration in media and culture, which could be advanced through institutional mechanisms.
The discussions also included exchange visits for digital influencers from both countries. Tarar noted that in the digital age, such exchanges could inject new energy into bilateral relations.
Similarly, Cao Shumin reaffirmed China's trust in Pakistan as a reliable partner and expressed her belief that closer media ties would enhance collaboration.
These efforts will be further developed under a joint strategy.
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