Pakistan and China have agreed to strengthen collaboration between their state broadcasters to combat fake news and disinformation, Radio Pakistan reported on Thursday.
The understanding was reached during a meeting in Beijing between Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, and Cao Shumin, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA).
Both sides agreed to jointly develop narratives against misinformation and enhance technical training and institutional cooperation. They also discussed a proposed agreement between China Central Television (CCTV) and Pakistan Television (PTV) aimed at facilitating the exchange of content and media expertise.
“Pakistan is ready to turn media cooperation with China into concrete initiatives,” said Tarar, adding that PTV, Radio Pakistan, and the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) are actively promoting stories about China’s development, the Belt and Road Initiative, CPEC, and cultural connections between the two countries.
Tarar highlighted PTV’s efforts in airing Chinese documentaries, programs, and news in Urdu, as well as APP’s achievements in delivering Pakistan’s narrative to Chinese audiences through its “China News Service.”
The meeting also explored plans for exchange visits involving digital influencers from both countries, with Tarar noting such engagements could energize bilateral ties in the digital era.
Cao Shumin reaffirmed China’s view of Pakistan as a trusted partner and stressed the importance of closer cooperation between media organizations to strengthen cultural and people-to-people links.
Both countries agreed to work on a joint strategy to further deepen ties in media, culture, and youth engagement. Earlier this year, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong emphasized Beijing’s commitment to expanding collaboration with Pakistan in education, media, and cultural exchanges to foster mutual understanding between the two nations.
