Digital Misinformation and Democratic Trust: Panel Discussion at SZABIST Islamabad

Islamabad, October 13, 2026: The Department of Media Sciences, SZABIST University Islamabad, hosted a timely and thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Digital Misinformation and Democratic Trust”, bringing together media and political experts to examine the growing challenges of misinformation in the digital age.

The event commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Jan Gerald Krausser, Head of Communications and Cultural Affairs at the German Embassy in Islamabad. The panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Amjad Qamar, who facilitated an engaging exchange of ideas on information integrity, media responsibility, and the relationship between digital communication and public trust.

The panel featured Mr. Tahir Malik, Political Analyst and Faculty Member at the Department of International Relations, NUML; Mr. Shah Abdul Sabookh, President of DigiMap and Editor at Indus Broadcasting and Communications (IBC); and Mr. Auon Abbas Sahi, Journalist and Media Expert. The speakers shared their perspectives on the challenges of identifying, understanding, and addressing misinformation across digital platforms.

The discussion explored how digital misinformation can influence public opinion, weaken confidence in information sources, and affect democratic processes. The panelists emphasized the importance of responsible journalism, credible information, fact-based reporting, and media literacy in helping audiences make informed decisions in an increasingly connected world.

The session also highlighted the responsibility of media professionals, digital platforms, and audiences in promoting information integrity. Developing critical thinking and the ability to evaluate online information were discussed as essential steps towards building a more informed and responsible digital society.

The event was organized with the support of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Islamabad and in collaboration with the Media Training and Research Centre (MTRC), Islamabad. It provided students and participants with an opportunity to engage with experienced professionals and explore the evolving relationship between media, information, and democratic trust.

Through such academic and collaborative initiatives, SZABIST University Islamabad continues to encourage critical dialogue, strengthen media literacy, and promote responsible journalism. The discussion reinforced the importance of credible information and ethical media practices in building public confidence and supporting informed democratic participation.