News Desk
Quetta: Director General Public Relations (DGPR) Balochistan Askar Khan has stressed the importance of accurate, verified and timely information, saying responsible journalism and fact-checking are essential for building public trust in the digital age.
In his message on the occasion of World News Day, Askar Khan said the rapid spread of information through social media had made news dissemination faster and easier, but had also increased the risk of misinformation, rumours and misleading content.
He said journalists, media organisations and social media users must verify information and check its sources before sharing it with the public.
The DGPR emphasised that sensitive, important and public-interest information should be verified through authorised government departments and relevant official sources. However, he added that comprehensive news coverage also requires journalistic investigation and verification through other credible sources.
Government Committed to Timely and Verified Information
Askar Khan said the Government of Balochistan remained committed to providing accurate, authentic and timely information to the public.
He said the Balochistan Public Relations Department was playing an important role in strengthening coordination between government institutions and media organisations to ensure the timely dissemination of official information.
The DGPR said effective communication and fact-based reporting were essential to counter misinformation and misleading propaganda.
He added that the provincial government was committed to improving the process of sharing verified information, clarifying facts and ensuring that the public received reliable updates on important matters.
Responsible Journalism Vital for Public Trust
Askar Khan said journalism was not merely about transmitting information but also carried the responsibility of keeping society informed about facts.
He noted that providing accurate information could help prevent rumours and misunderstandings while strengthening trust between public institutions and citizens.
The DGPR also acknowledged the contributions of journalists in Balochistan, saying they had continued to perform their professional duties despite difficult circumstances.
He said promoting responsible journalism in line with modern communication requirements required collective efforts from media organisations, government institutions and all segments of society.
On the occasion of World News Day, Askar Khan paid tribute to the journalistic community and reiterated that truthful, verified and timely news remained the foundation of public confidence, informed public opinion and a responsible society.
