With an alarming assertion that nearly 60% of circulating news are baseless or fabricated, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on Tuesday called for systemic reforms and the responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to navigate the challenges facing modern society.
According to a report by University of the Punjab, speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the three-day ‘Sahafi Summit 2025’ at Punjab University, the governor emphasized that while AI could bring improvements to journalism and other sectors, its ultimate impact remains uncertain. “It is too early to predict whether this tool will prove to be a friend or foe of humankind,” he stated, stressing the need for extensive research and dialogue on the matter.
The summit, organized by the university”s Department of Media and Development Communication, gathered provincial leaders, academics, and senior journalists to discuss the technology”s implications. Governor Khan urged young students to demonstrate responsibility in promoting the positive use of AI to compete on a global scale.
Provincial Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman identified social media as a major conduit for the spread of false information, underscoring the necessity of education and training to counter this trend. He affirmed that responsible journalism is more crucial than ever and that no machine could ever replace a truthful journalist. He also noted the Punjab government”s commitment, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, to strengthening the media.
From an academic standpoint, PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali highlighted the need for a complete overhaul of the education system. He urged universities to shift students” focus from merely seeking degrees for employment to preparing for a rapidly evolving professional landscape. “Media education plays a significant role in universities, with curricula that should align with future needs,” he remarked.
Veteran journalist Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami offered a stark warning, comparing AI to a weapon. He cautioned that its use requires immense prudence, noting, “a gun in the hands of a soldier ensures protection, but the same gun in the hands of a robber leads to plunder.” He asserted that AI has transformed the media industry, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood.
Dr Ayesha Ashfaq, the departmental chairperson, explained that the summit’s objective is to educate students on AI”s impact on journalism, emphasizing that responsible use of such powerful tools is essential for maintaining societal balance.
Echoing the theme of adaptation, MMFD founder Asad Baig acknowledged that while AI is displacing certain jobs, it is simultaneously creating new opportunities. He advised that the media industry should focus on harnessing the proper application of AI to reap its potential benefits.