9th CPEC Media Forum Calls for Stronger Pakistan–China Media Cooperation Against Disinformation
Islamabad: The Pakistan-China Institute (PCI), in collaboration with China Economic Net and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, organized the 9th CPEC Media Forum in Islamabad, bringing together senior Pakistani and Chinese officials, diplomats, media professionals and representatives of Chinese enterprises to strengthen media cooperation under CPEC 2.0 and counter misinformation and fake news targeting Pakistan–China relations.
Opening the forum, PCI Executive Director Mustafa Hyder Sayed said the CPEC Media Forum has remained a flagship Pakistan–China media platform since 2015, launched after President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Pakistan. He said the forum aims to shape a fact-based narrative on CPEC, adding that the 2025 edition holds special significance following the announcement of CPEC 2.0 and expanding bilateral cooperation.
Chairman PCI Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said misinformation and disinformation have emerged as major strategic challenges. Referring to the EU DisinfoLab’s “India Chronicles” report, he warned of organized propaganda against Pakistan–China cooperation and stressed the need for coordinated responses. He termed the Pakistan–China relationship the “pivot” of Pakistan’s foreign policy and said the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026 should mark a new phase of deeper cooperation.
Minister of State for Climate Change Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Kharal highlighted China’s role in global ecological governance and described climate change as an existential challenge. She proposed the creation of a joint Pakistan–China media mechanism to respond swiftly to disinformation related to CPEC.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar emphasized the importance of digital media and modern communication tools in narrative-building. He said CPEC represents development, cultural connectivity and people-to-people ties, and urged greater media and influencer exchanges under CPEC 2.0. He also suggested establishing a dedicated fact-checking platform to counter false narratives.
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong praised the strength of Pakistan–China friendship and reaffirmed China’s commitment to CPEC as a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative. He highlighted agriculture, mining and industrial cooperation as key areas under CPEC 2.0 and stressed the media’s role in countering distortions with facts.
President and Editor-in-Chief of Economic Daily Zheng Qingdong said CPEC has entered an upgraded phase and called on media to present a truthful and comprehensive picture of the project while countering smears and misinformation. He said the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026 should serve as a milestone for further strengthening bilateral ties.
Other speakers, including representatives from Chinese media, Pakistani journalists and Chinese enterprises, emphasized people-centered development, transparency, and responsible journalism to strengthen public trust in CPEC. The forum also featured discussions on publishing, cultural exchange, and media cooperation in the digital age.
During the event, PCI launched a research report titled “An Analysis of the Practical Application of Chinese Technical Standards in Pakistan.” The three-hour forum was attended by over 200 participants from various sectors.
Read in Urdu: 9واں سی پیک میڈیا فورم: پاکستان اور چین کے درمیان میڈیا تعاون مضبوط بنانے اور جھوٹی خبروں کے تدارک پر زور
