Riyadh, February 20, 2025: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture Attaullah Tarar has emphasized the need for greater international collaborations to strengthen Pakistan’s media sector and enhance its capacity.
Speaking at the Saudi Media Forum 2025, Tarar highlighted that global partnerships could bring a paradigm shift in local media organizations, fostering growth and development. He assured that the government would actively promote such collaborations to benefit human resources in the media industry.
The minister expressed admiration for the historic transformations in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, calling it a remarkable reality rather than just a dream. He praised the leadership of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for driving revolutionary changes.
Discussing Pakistan’s media landscape, Tarar stressed the importance of keeping pace with modern trends, particularly in the digital domain. He underscored that the Ministry of Information oversees electronic, print, and digital media, while his portfolio in culture also focuses on Pakistan’s rich heritage and arts.
“Out of Pakistan’s 240 million people, 180 million are internet users. With more than 60% of the population under 30, we have a dynamic, tech-savvy youth eager to engage with digital media,” he said.
Tarar also highlighted Pakistan’s deep cultural roots, describing it as the guardian of the ancient Indus Valley civilization and home to K2, the world’s second-highest peak.
Calling for a more advanced and inclusive media, Tarar stressed that media should not only raise awareness about social issues but also provide a platform for people to express their views and showcase their talents.
He acknowledged the contribution of international media organizations such as Urdu News, Arab News, and Independent News, recognizing their efforts in raising public awareness.
“Pakistan has immense talent, with figures like Oscar and Emmy winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, and mountaineer Samina Baig making the nation proud. Samina Baig is the only Pakistani woman to have conquered the world’s seven highest peaks, including Mount Everest and K2,” he said.
Tarar also paid tribute to Farman, a Pakistani living in Saudi Arabia, who became a local hero after sacrificing his life while saving five people during floods. “Stories like his selflessness need to be told,” he added.
The minister emphasized the need for stronger collaborations with international media partners to help Pakistan’s media industry reach its full potential. “We have thriving news and entertainment channels, strong documentary filmmaking, and storytelling potential—but we need global partnerships to unlock further growth,” he stated.
Terming Saudi Arabia a land of opportunities, he acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2024 FIFA World Cup, while Pakistan is hosting the Cricket Champions Trophy, calling it a great meeting of minds.
Thanking the Saudi Media Forum for fostering global cooperation, Tarar highlighted the importance of accurate and factual reporting on global crises such as Gaza, ensuring that the world remains informed about humanitarian needs.
Addressing the growing challenge of misinformation and fake news, Tarar called for a global fact-checking institution leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure the credibility of information.
“A comprehensive, transparent, and reliable system for fact verification is essential. AI should be used fairly and without bias on social media,” he stressed.
Concluding, Tarar reaffirmed that international media collaborations would be welcomed in Pakistan, as they would help unlock the country’s media potential, promote transparency, and elevate journalism standards.
