04/09/2026
We wrapped up our PUAN project “Digital Trust and Free Expression in the AI Era: Strengthening Responsible Content Creation in Open Digital Spaces” at the University of the Punjab, which was a meaningful journey that brought together emerging media professionals, senior journalists, academic leaders, and representatives of the US Consulate General Lahore. On the behalf of Department of Media and Development Communication, Punjab University, we congratulate our chairperson, Dr. Ayesha Ashfaq and her dedicated project team for wrapping up a successful PUAN Grant Project as a Project Lead supported by the U.S Mission to Pakistan and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network.
In the closing ceremony, we were honored to host Mr. Stetson A. Sanders, U.S. Consul General Lahore, as Chief Guest. Speaking at the ceremony, he shared: “This project reflects the very best of what the U.S.-Pakistan partnership can achieve: shared expertise, mutual respect, and a common commitment to open, trustworthy, and free digital spaces.”
We were also privileged to have Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab, who highlighted the responsibility of academic institutions in preparing students for emerging digital challenges.
As Project Lead, Dr. Ayesha Ashfaq Chairperson, Department of Media & Development Communication, presented the project overview, reflecting on how this initiative strengthened ethical storytelling, verification practices, and AI literacy among young media professionals.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Jamal Ghazanfar from the U.S. Consulate General Lahore for his continuous support throughout the project.
The ceremony featured powerful insights from senior journalists and media experts:
Senior Journalist, Mr. Muneeb Farooq shared a forward‑looking roadmap for young journalists entering open digital spaces. He highlighted the need for critical thinking, ethical reporting, and adaptability in an era where AI tools, rapid news cycles, and digital audiences demand both speed and integrity.
Senior Journalist, Ms. Mehmal Sarfraz delivered a compelling talk on the evolving landscape of digital trust. She spoke about how journalists today must navigate misinformation, polarized online spaces, & AI‑generated content, emphasising the importance of credibility, nuance, and responsible storytelling in shaping public discourse.
Our project team: Mr. Fazli Hadi, Mr. Ajmal Jami, Ms. Sunny Zia, and Mr. Naveed Anwar worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth ex*****on of every phase of this initiative. We value their team work and contributions into this project. Without their teamwork, it would not have been possible to achieve the goals.
Our Assistant Professors Dr. Shazia Nauman and Dr. Madiha Maqsood played a pivotal role in guiding participants through critical discussions on responsible digital storytelling.
On behalf of the University of the Punjab and the Department of Media and Development Communication, we express our heartfelt gratitude to senior journalists, Mr. Sohail Warraich, Ms. Zunaira Azhar, Mr. Shiraz Hasnat, Ms. Tarhab Asghar, Mr. Aamir Hayat Bhandara, and Ms. Fatima Ali, for their valuable contributions to this project by recording their views and perspectives on digital journalism in the age of AI.
We also extend heartfelt thanks to Ms. Hina Fatima, our Research Assistant, for her dedicated support throughout the project.
We concluded the ceremony with certificate distribution, celebrating the commitment, learning, and collaboration that shaped this project.
This initiative stands as part of the U.S. Mission to Pakistan’s ongoing support for media literacy, responsible content creation, and digital trust in Pakistan’s evolving information landscape.
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