Media vital to projecting truth, strengthening national resolve

Speakers at a webinar on Wednesday underscored the pivotal role of responsible media in projecting truth, countering disinformation, and strengthening national unity and resilience

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th May, 2026) Speakers at a webinar on Wednesday underscored the pivotal role of responsible media in projecting truth, countering disinformation, and strengthening national unity and resilience.

The webinar, titled “Narrative of Truth: Media’s Role in Building National Resolve,” was organized here by the Information Service academy (ISA) in collaboration with the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), to commemorate Marka-e-Haq.

Welcoming the participants, Research Fellow at IRS Imran Sardar, on behalf of IRS President Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, said Marka-e-Haq symbolized not only a historic milestone but also an enduring reflection of Pakistan’s strength and its capacity to shape a better future. He said Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos marked a turning point in regional dynamics, demonstrating the professionalism, faith, and resilience of Pakistan’s armed forces.

Ambassador (R) Shahid Kiani, in his message, termed Marka-e-Haq a defining moment embodying national unity and collective resolve. He said Pakistan’s measured and responsible response to evolving regional tensions reflected maturity and strategic clarity, while reiterating the country’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and principled diplomacy.

He extended profound congratulations to the nation and its armed forces on the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, describing it as a defining moment that embodied national unity and collective resolve.

Referring to the April 22, 2025 incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he said it further heightened longstanding tensions between Pakistan and India. He noted that allegations levelled against Pakistan were made without any credible investigation or evidence.

The ambassador said the subsequent measures announced by the Indian government, including downgrading diplomatic engagement and placing the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, reflected a hasty response that drew concern at the global level.

He said Pakistan categorically rejected the allegations and responded with restraint, clarity and resolve, while proposing a neutral and transparent investigation, an offer that did not receive a constructive response.

He highlighted that Pakistan consistently called for impartial investigations and that its diplomatic outreach effectively presented the country’s stance at global forums. He added that international recognition of Pakistan’s narrative and restraint further strengthened its image as a responsible state.

Executive Director of Sanober Institute, Dr Qamar Cheema said that political considerations in India had increasingly influenced foreign policy and national security decisions, contributing to heightened tensions in South Asia.

He said such approaches fostered a persistent environment of hostility, which, he added, was often linked to domestic political objectives.

He noted that attempts to portray Pakistan as a sponsor of terrorism did not resonate internationally, as global assessments increasingly recognized Pakistan itself as a major victim of terrorism.

He noted that global opinion increasingly acknowledged Pakistan’s position, particularly in the context of counter-terrorism efforts and regional stability.

Dr Cheema also pointed to the role of media, saying that sections of Indian media faced criticism for amplifying unverified claims, which affected their credibility globally. He stressed that responsible journalism, grounded in facts and objectivity, remained essential for maintaining trust and legitimacy

Major General (Retd) Muhammad Saad Khattak described Marka-e-Haq and operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos as a strategic milestone that reshaped conventional perceptions in South Asia.

Referring to the developments of May 6-7, 2025, he said India carried out missile strikes at multiple locations inside Pakistan and Kashmir, which was a violation of sovereignty and international norms.

General Khattak said Pakistan’s response was swift, precise and professional, with the Pakistan Air Force successfully engaging hostile aircraft, delivering both an operational and psychological setback to the adversary.

He termed the response of May 10, 2025 as a decisive moment, when Pakistan executed a coordinated,

multi-domain operation targeting multiple locations, marking a departure from past restraint and signaling enhanced strategic confidence.

He said Pakistan’s response demonstrated not only operational capability but also effective escalation management, reinforcing its position as a credible and responsible regional actor.

He emphasized that the events highlighted Pakistan’s technological preparedness, professional competence, and ability to maintain internal stability while responding to external challenges.

Concluding the session, Executive Director General ISA, Smaina Parveez, stressed upon the need for continued dialogue on media’s role in addressing complex national and international issues.

She appreciated the contributions of all speakers, noting that such engagements helped broaden perspectives, particularly for newly inducted information officers, and called for sustained collaboration between ISA and IRS for future initiatives.