PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organized a “Digital Democracy” workshop in Peshawar aimed at equipping Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly parliamentarians with tools to counter misinformation effectively.
The workshop is part of a broader initiative to help lawmakers understand digital trends, enhance social media skills, and promote informed public engagement. Ms. Samer Awais, Director General at PIPS, emphasized the urgency of addressing misinformation, noting the role of emerging AI technologies in spreading inaccuracies, especially among the youth. “This workshop is essential for parliamentarians to stay ahead in countering digital misinformation,” Awais remarked.
Led by digital experts, including UNDP Digital Specialist Usman Zafar and Senior Journalist Fakhar Kakakhel, the sessions focused on social media fundamentals, verification methods, and practical exercises for identifying false information. Kakakhel, conducting his session in Pashto, stressed the importance of using local languages in digital education and introduced digital constituency mapping techniques to help lawmakers engage effectively with their constituents.
The event wrapped up with a networking session, where participants shared insights on the potential legislative impact of these skills. PIPS and UNDP reiterated their commitment to supporting Pakistani lawmakers in navigating the digital landscape to strengthen democratic processes and ensure the integrity of information.
