Role of Media in Shaping Narrative during Turbulent Times

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) held an in-house expert session titled “The Role of Media in Shaping Narrative During Turbulent Times”, aimed at fostering strategic reflection on how media influences national narrative during challenging times. Held under Chatham House Rules, the session brought together leading journalists and media professionals to assess the media’s power to either stabilise or destabilise a country’s strategic landscape.
In his opening remarks, President IRS emphasised that narrative has become a strategic tool of influence and resistance. He cited the recent May 2025 standoff between India and Pakistan, where Pakistan’s fact-based and transparent media strategy was internationally recognised by outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, and Al Jazeera for de-escalating tensions. In contrast, India’s media came under criticism for amplifying disinformation and speculative claims, fuelling the risks of escalation.
The session featured insights from a distinguished panel of media practitioners, including Mr. Ghulam Mujtaba Memon (Controller News and Current Affairs, Radio Pakistan); Ms. Sahar Aslam Khan (Associated Press of Pakistan); Mr. Zahid Farooq Malik (Senior Journalist); Mr. Ali Furqan (Voice of America); Mr. Farooq Mirza (4th Pillar News – The Vigilant International, USA); Mr. Haitham Naser (TRT News); Mr. Irfan Sadozai (Dawn News), Mr. Afzal Reza (IRNA); Mr. Tariq Mohiyuddin (Russia Today); Mr. Tassawar Zaman Babar (CGTN), and several others representing national and international media. Speakers delved into how hostile actors are leveraging disinformation and hybrid warfare tactics to target Pakistan’s national unity and strategic credibility.
Discussion topics included the unbiased reporting by media, the rise of AI-generated content, and the role of social media algorithms in polarising public opinion. Panellists also examined how narrative manipulation has impacted recent developments in Pakistan and stressed the need to safeguard institutional trust through responsible journalism and unified national messaging. Participants lauded Pakistan’s coherent strategic communication framework capable of countering misinformation in real time. The panellists stressed the urgency for English language media outlets in Pakistan for effective communication with the world at-large.
The session concluded with a shared understanding that safeguarding Pakistan’s narrative in the digital age is not just a communication challenge, it is a national security imperative. The participants congratulated IRS for holding event on such an important topic. IRS reaffirmed its commitment to convening such dialogues that generate actionable insights for strengthening media resilience and strategic coherence.