Speakers at the second annual Digital Dialogue Summit stressed that Pakistan’s digital media and technology sectors must work together to build a comprehensive, safe and inclusive digital ecosystem that ensures access to reliable information and enables citizens to benefit from digital transformation. The observations were shared by participants at the summit held in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The national conference was organised by Freedom Network in collaboration with International Media Support (IMS). The summit brought together leading journalists, technology specialists, academics, civil society representatives and digital rights advocates to discuss Pakistan’s digital information landscape and the future of public-interest media.

During the proceedings, panel discussions examined key financial and policy challenges facing independent digital journalism and public-interest technology development, while exploring opportunities presented by technological innovation—especially artificial intelligence (AI).

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Freedom Network Programme Manager Manahil Shahab said that understanding an AI-impacted future required collective efforts and sustained dialogue. She said the Digital Dialogue Summit aims to create a shared roadmap for a digitally empowered and inclusive Pakistan.

IMS Programme Manager Adnan Rehmat highlighted the role of independent digital news media in fulfilling the information needs of local communities. He said these outlets reflect the diversity and pluralism of society while providing credible news that adheres to ethics and public-interest values.

Owners and editors from prominent independent digital media outlets; including Times of Karachi, Hazara Express News, Tribal News Network, Voicepk.net and The Reporters, shared their experiences, challenges and milestones in practicing public-interest journalism. They discussed how digital platforms have amplified community voices and enabled new forms of storytelling despite resource constraints.

Panelists also assessed how AI is reshaping content creation, distribution methods and newsroom workflows. Ignite National Technology Fund’s Deputy Manager Projects, Usama bin Mansoor, said the organisation is adopting the principles of the National AI Policy in its operations and has recently invited students, researchers and companies to submit AI-driven social-benefit projects as part of a competition.

Participants of the Digital Dialogue Summit emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among media, technology, academia and civil society stakeholders to support a rights-respecting digital ecosystem in Pakistan.