The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), successfully conducted a workshop on “Digital Democracy” at the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This event, part of a series aimed at strengthening digital literacy among parliamentarians, addressed the impacts of misinformation, disinformation, and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping public perception.
The program commenced with a warm welcome from Ms. Samer Awais, Director General (PDP&C) at PIPS. She underscored the significance of this initiative as a platform for parliamentarians to gain insight into the potential threats of digital misinformation and disinformation. Ms. Awais highlighted that AI is increasingly utilized to spread falsehoods, affecting young people and influencing political opinions. She emphasized PIPS’ dedication to equipping lawmakers with the tools needed to understand and legislate around these digital challenges, ensuring parliamentarians remain proactive in safeguarding the public against online harms.
The workshop’s first module, led by Usman Zafar, UNDP’s Digital Specialist, covered “Understanding Social Media.” This session provided a comprehensive look at popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), YouTube, and TikTok. Usman delved into the nuances of information integrity, media bias, and the importance of critical thinking when engaging with online content. Participants found the presentation highly engaging, as Usman effectively linked theoretical concepts with practical, real-world implications.
Fakhar Kakakhel, a Senior Journalist and Digital Media Trainer, facilitated the second session on “Understanding Online Information Disorder.” Using relevant case studies from Pakistan, Mr. Kakakhel explained the mis-, dis-, and malinformation paradigms, equipping participants with verification techniques essential for discerning online truth from fiction. Notably, Mr. Kakakhel conducted his session in Pashto, fostering an inclusive environment for all participants and demonstrating how local language can be an effective tool for digital training.
The afternoon sessions focused on practical applications and strategies for parliamentarians to harness social media responsibly and effectively. In a hands-on exercise, participants engaged with real-time fact-checking tools under Mr. Kakakhel’s guidance, gaining practical skills to identify false information. Another interactive session on digital messaging provided insights into analyzing social media analytics, utilizing communication tools, and exploring innovative ways to connect with constituents.
In closing, participants expressed their appreciation for the sessions’ relevance and impact. The workshop concluded with networking opportunities, allowing attendees to discuss their experiences and insights on digital democracy. The collaboration between PIPS and UNDP was widely acknowledged as a valuable step toward a digitally aware and responsible parliamentary community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.