The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is about to enter a new age of digitization with the pro-technological programs and initiatives of the recent government. One of such initiatives is the digitization of state media organizations (DTSM). On August 6^th 2021, the President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi launched a project aiming at digitalization of state media organizations. Media is considered as the substantial pillar of the society and a necessity for democracy, therefore, making it digital and enhancing its reach will also introduce positive results in the society.

Digitization of State media organizations is undergoing

The state media organizations being digitalized include known platforms like Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Digital Media Wing (DMW), Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television (PTV). The memorable ceremony was held at Pakistan – China Friendship Centre, Islamabad. This project of government, aiming at digitalization of state media organizations, has been introduced by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting being headed by Chaudhry Fawad Hussain.

The project of Digitalization of State Media organizations (DTSM) also includes advertisements of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Directorate of Electronic Media and publication (DEMP). The launching ceremony was also attended by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain and Begum Samina Alvi. Furthermore, Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib, Senator Faisal Javed, Minister for Human Rights Dr. Shireen Mazari, Parliamentarians, key media personalities and representatives of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as well as state media outlets also graced the occasion.

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Impact of digitalization of state media

The digitalization of state media will help these organizations to improve their services. For instance, Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) will switch to APP Digital and hence become more operationalized. Similarly, PTV News will also switch to High Definition (HD) quality. On the other hand, Pakistan Radio will start on making Podcasts. Digital Media Wing (DMW) will invest their efforts in strengthening the presence of Digital Media in Pakistan. As part of this initiative, a university will also be established namely National Media University. National Media University would be focusing on design, art, animations and digital journalism.

The digitalization of state media organizations will hugely enhance the experience of users. Moreover, it will also boost the speed with which news is distributed and reaches its audience. During this memorable ceremony, the President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi also gave certain awards to the Managing Director of Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Mr. Mobashir Hasan in order to recognize the quality standards equivalent to the international standards being followed by the news agency. These awards include ISO 9001:2015 and 27001:2013 certifications.

Expectations of President Dr. Arif Alvi from this program

Dr. Arif Alvi, President Pakistan has expressed deep hope with the launch of this initiative. He is optimistic that this digitalization of state’s media organizations’ will help these outlets to enhance their outreach. It will also help in promoting the real image and true culture of Pakistan. He also linked this development with the issue of Kashmir. President believes that this digital transformation of state media organizations will be helpful in communicating our stance on Kashmir to the world more effectively. He further mentioned that with this development, the Muslim Ummah can also present their narrative regarding Islamophobia in front of the world.

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Vision of Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain

President Dr. Arif Alvi also appreciated and congratulated Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain and wished him luck. He stressed upon the need for effectively encountering fake news being spread by the rival nations of Pakistan. Fawad Chaudhry also discussed the importance of media in dealing with recent era’s wars which are hugely media based. He said that in this modern age, wars are being fought on media. Furthermore, only those nations can win this war who possess strong narrative.

Fawad Chaudhry kept on sharing more digital developments made in this tenure by the recent government. He also highlighted that, after overcoming all the challenges, the Press Information Department (PID) has finally managed to become completely digitalized. Now everything, from issuing advertisements to the media houses to the process of billing, has been made computerized. The Minister for Information and Broadcasting also expressed optimism in the university that will be formed under this initiative. He said that this university will help introducing new technology for the production of films and dramas.

Imran Khan’s aim for a digital Pakistan

The project focusing on digitalization of state media organizations is a part of another project “Digital Pakistan” that was launched by Prime Minister Imran Khan in December, 2019. The vision of recent government is to introduce digital reforms in the country ensuring progress and inclusion among all segments of the society. Prime Minister wants to equip the youth of country in such a way that they develop enough skills to compete with the international world. There are various outcomes that Imran Khan visualizes for the nation.

The developments for making a Digital Pakistan will benefit people in multiple ways. For instance, it will improve Access and Connectivity for the general public.  Everyone will have an equal opportunity of being benefited from the digital developments in the country. It will also improve the Digital infrastructure in Pakistan thus helping people carrying out various tasks in less time and more securely. Furthermore, it will create path for E-government which will shift all tasks of the government online.

Moreover, Digital Skills and Literacy and Innovation and Entrepreneurship are also its crucial components that will help our skillful youth in getting jobs and also encourage them in starting own businesses. Digitalization of state media organization is just one step towards adigital and progressive Pakistan.