8th CPEC Media Forum Unveils Collective Resolve Against Disinformation

Islamabad - 20 December 2023 (Adnan Hameed) : The Pakistan-China Institute, in collaboration with China Economic Net and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, hosted the 8th CPEC Media Forum in Islamabad, simultaneously telecast in Beijing and the University of Gwadar. Distinguished speakers included Murtaza Solangi, Caretaker Minister of Information and Broadcasting; Ambassador Zhang Zaidong; Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed; Zheng Qingdong, President of Economic Daily; and Cui Jun, President of China Economic Net. Mustafa Hyder Sayed, Executive Director of the Pakistan-China Institute, highlighted the enduring CPEC Media Forum's role, emphasizing people-to-people connectivity beyond infrastructure projects. He lauded President Xi Jinping's historic $100 billion investment in the green development of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. Murtaza Solangi, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, commended CPEC's transformative impact, urging objective media reporting to counter propaganda and promote accurate information dissemination. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed characterized BRI as the paramount diplomatic initiative of the 21st century, noting China's commitment to modernization. Ambassador Jiang Zaidong expressed appreciation for countering misinformation and emphasized China's continued support to safeguard Pakistan's core interests. Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan's Ambassador to China, reiterated commitment to high-quality CPEC development and strengthened cooperation. Senior Journalist Hamid Mir highlighted the vital role of Balochistan in CPEC's destiny, calling for comprehensive implementation. Economic Daily's Zheng Qingdong stressed the significance of the 10th CPEC anniversary in fostering enduring friendship. Wu Xu, Executive Secretary of the China Journalists Association, emphasized media cooperation against false narratives. Yu Xiaokui proposed strategies to share authentic corridor stories, enhancing media cooperation and adapting to new trends. Du Jianing, Director of China Media Group Islamabad Studio, urged collaboration to combat misinformation and ensure CPEC's quality development. Mustafa Hyder Sayed launched the 'CPEC Media Forum Balochistan Initiative,' emphasizing inclusive and transparent development. Muhammad Umar Farooq presented evidence-based refutation of misinformation. Senator Mushahid Hussain unveiled the "Perception of CPEC in Pakistan" report, indicating a 93.5% positive view. Eight journalists received the 5th CPEC Communication Award for outstanding contributions. The forum, attended by 200+ participants, including students, media, civil society, parliament, and academia, featured an insightful Q&A session, showcasing a collective commitment to truth and cooperation in advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.