Senior media experts called on the governments of Pakistan and China to facilitate more frequent visits by Pakistani media to Chinese-led development projects, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar Port, to better counter misinformation and negative narratives.

The call was made during the 9th CPEC Media Forum in Islamabad, organized by the Pakistan-China Institute (PCI) and China Economic Net, and hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan.

The forum was held under the theme “Strengthening Media Cooperation to Advance the Upgraded Version 2.0 of CPEC.”

Acco4ding to a Gwadar Pro's report, Hamid Mir, a senior Pakistani journalist, emphasized that direct exposure to development projects is essential for journalists to produce accurate, balanced, and evidence-based reports.

He noted that first-hand observation of progress and interactions with local communities allow the media to effectively counter misinformation surrounding Chinese investments in Pakistan.

Experts stressed that increased engagement with local populations, particularly in Balochistan and Gwadar, would amplify community voices, enabling residents to express their concerns and expectations more openly. This, they said, would help both governments design more responsive policies and reforms.

Senior journalists also pointed out that current efforts to counter misleading narratives about CPEC are limited.

They emphasized the need to involve a wider range of media professionals, including digital journalists and social media influencers, to present a factual and comprehensive image of CPEC both nationally and internationally.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar proposed the creation of a dedicated fact-checking forum to address negative or misleading reporting on CPEC.

The proposal was supported by Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong and PCI Chairman Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed.

The forum participants also highlighted the need to increase Pakistani content on Chinese media platforms, especially social media. They argued that showcasing Pakistan’s business environment, culture, and hospitality to Chinese audiences could encourage more investment, particularly from small and medium-sized Chinese enterprises.

The forum concluded with a consensus that enhanced media cooperation, transparency, and people-to-people engagement are key to strengthening mutual understanding and supporting the next phase of CPEC development.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China