FPCCI, PEMRA organise seminar on digital media future

LAHORE: Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Thursday jointly organised a special seminar, “National Dialogue on the Future of Pakistan’s Digital Media“ at the FPCCI regional office Lahore. The seminar comprehensively examined six key areas: emerging opportunities in digital media and the economy; technological transformation and innovation; information credibility and responsible digital communication; a balanced and business-friendly regulatory environment and policy framework; digital literacy and positive youth inclusion; and pathways for investment, entrepreneurship, employment and economic growth. The seminar was addressed by Zaki Aijaz, Regional Chairman and Vice President FPCCI; Ayesha Manzoor Wattoo, Director General PEMRA; senior journalists; Vice Chancellors of various universities; digital media and international relations experts; university faculty members; and attended by a large number of students. Participants shared their insights, recommendations and proposals on the future development of Pakistan’s digital media landscape. Ayesha Manzoor Wattoo said that digital media was no longer merely an extension of electronic media but had evolved into a distinct and increasingly important sector. She emphasized that digital media should not be viewed solely through the lens of media and communication, but also as an important component of the light economy, with significant potential for employment, entrepreneurship and economic activity. She further observed that with mobile phones now widely accessible, virtually everyone has the ability to create and share content. She noted that PEMRA’s responsibilities extend far beyond banning content or issuing notices, encompassing a much broader regulatory and public-interest mandate. She emphasized the need to maintain a strategic focus on national security, the national agenda and economic development. Zaki Aijaz said that experts at the session had emphasized the importance of educating and training young people to enhance their digital media capabilities, appropriately regulating social media platforms, and developing indigenous social media platforms. He stressed that Pakistan’s youth must be equipped with modern digital media skills and knowledge so that they can make a meaningful and productive contribution to this rapidly evolving sector. The seminar provided a valuable platform for dialogue among policymakers, media professionals, academia, digital media experts and young people, with participants highlighting the need for a responsible, innovative, digitally literate and economically productive media ecosystem in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Read full story on Business Recorder