GUJRAT – With a view to countering the spread of fake news, that spreads faster than facts, the University of Gujrat (UoG) hosted a workshop on ‘Media Literacy and Digital Rights’ at Hafiz Hayat Campus the other day. Organized by the Centre for Media & Communication Studies (CMCS) with support from the European Union and the Centre for Peace & Development Islamabad, the two-day event trained students to spot misinformation and use social media responsibly.
Prof. Dr. Zahid Yousaf, Dean Faculty of Arts, opened the workshop by warning that unchecked digital content blurs truth and falsehood. “In today’s digital flood, journalism students must learn to rely only on credible sources,” he said.
Dr. Muhammad Yousaf, focal person of the workshop, called misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and deepfakes “the tragedy of our times,” stressing “responsible digital practice is no longer optional — it’s essential.”
Six sessions featured experts including Prof. Dr. Sher Zaman, legal scholar Farrukh Mushtaq Chaudhry, IT specialist Dr. Safiullah and communication scholar Dr. Faiza Bajwa. They trained students on critical thinking, ethical reporting, and the psychological impact of excessive screen time. Speakers also highlighted how women and minorities are often misrepresented online, calling for reform in digital language and portrayal.
“Excessive screen time damages both mental and physical health. Responsible use of social media is a necessity for the next generation,” Dr Sher Zaman noted.
Farrukh Mushtaq Chaudhry said, “Educated youth can become ambassadors of digital literacy, guiding society toward responsible use of online platforms.”
Dr. Safiullah spoke about the power of media manipulating emotions and reshaping public opinion. “Positive storytelling can rebuild trust and reshape society,” he stressed.
“Women and minorities deserve respect in digital spaces. Ethical language and fair portrayal are vital for inclusive communication,” the communication scholar, Dr. Faiza Bajwa, said.
The workshop closed with certificates and shields awarded to participants. Student groups presented activities reflecting their learning, underscoring the urgent role of media literacy in protecting society from misinformation.