Islamabad: Panelists from Media, Civil Society, Diplomacy,Business Community , Intelligentia and Security shared their views on Economic and Social impacts of talk shows and how media narratives affect the investors’ opinion and decisions in seminars at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce. Most of them were unanimous on one point that media should give time to other sectors than politics only and tell the truth to the viewers. They opposed controls on media but emphasized upon the media that freedom is with responsibility.
The seminar titled “Talk Shows and their Social and Economic Impact on Pakistan” and “Media Narrative and Investors’ Confidence/Market Behaviors,” was held by at the Chamber House on Tuesday and attended by a large number of university students, business leaders and senior media professionals.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has said that media narratives play a decisive role in shaping public thinking, investor confidence, social behavior, and economic direction.
Addressing, he observed that Pakistan’s economy is largely sentiment-driven and excessive negativity regarding political instability and economic uncertainty directly affects investment, business expansion, tourism, real estate, foreign direct investment, and the stock market.
He stressed that Pakistan needs a “Growth Narrative” based on stability, opportunity, entrepreneurship, investment, youth empowerment, and economic reforms, adding that constructive journalism and balanced discussions strengthen investor confidence and national stability.
He further stated that the media also influences the behavior of ordinary citizens and that fear-driven and sensational reporting weakens public trust, expands the informal economy, and damages economic confidence.
He urged talk show hosts to promote awareness, responsible journalism, constructive national dialogue, and greater focus on economy, exports, technology, industrial growth, and national unity.
Major General (R) Samrez Salik, former DG ISSRA, emphasized that promoting positivity is a collective responsibility and urged talk shows to focus more on economy and social issues rather than excessive political polarization. He was not in favor of controling the media from any side. He termed social media mainly irresponsible and negative. He recommended to quit negativity for the uplift of the country.
Executive Director Licensing PEMRA, Wakeel Khan said Pakistan’s media sector has witnessed significant growth with multiple licenses issued for news, entertainment, regional channels, and FM radio stations. He stressed that responsible journalism, authenticity of news, and effective editorial oversight are essential to curb fake news and sensationalism.
He shared that PEMRA has issued 49 licenses each to news and entertainment channels. “Micro monitoring of the programs is not possible for PEMRA, he said.
Co-Founder and CEO of Mishal Pakistan Amir Jehangir remarked that narratives must remain human-centric to build public trust and investor confidence.
Journalist Ather Kazmi said that media merely reflects society as a mirror and should not solely be blamed for prevailing negativities despite certain weaknesses within the industry.
Second seminar was titled “Impact on Informal Economy and Public Behaviors,”
Ambassador Imran Ali said that policymakers and institutions must address the real problems faced by the masses.
He asked the anchorpersons , how many programs you have conducted so far on why no dam could be constructed after Terbela Mangla that were constructed during General Ayub’s time. After Ayub , he said, Nawaz Sharif is the only leader who played a role in the development of Pakistan.
Zafar Bakhtawari, Former ICCI President and Secretary General United Business Group emphasized that Pakistan must focus on building ethical, humane, and compassionate individuals, adding that no society can truly prosper unless businessmen and entrepreneurs are respected as role models.
He said , media has ever seen the advertisement they are running is what about? He gave example of packed milk advertisements. He said, they say non packed milk is dangerous for health. It means they are trying to finish the business of milk men who have two three buffaloes and earning their livelihood by selling their milk.
He , in his eye opener address, suggested to make a narrative that everyone in this country will pay taxes and say goodbye to IMF.
Former Secretary National Press Club, Anchorperson Nayyar Ali highlighted that polarization is a global phenomenon and that fair and consistent implementation of regulations remains the real challenge. She mentioned how many pressures an anchorperson works under. “Everyone blames the anchorpersons but no one sees that the media seth is dictated by someone to air certain material and narrative. Media seth directs the same to anchorperson.”
Anchorperson Faisal Rehman observed that governments are run through institutions, administrative systems, and policy frameworks rather than media alone.
Journalist Abu Baker described media as one of the most powerful tools capable of shaping perceptions and changing mindsets.
The speakers highly appreciated Convener ICCI Standing Committee on Sister Cities Initiatives, Sajid Iqbal Convener Islamabad Sister City Initiative ISCI with his team Shumaila Siddiqui , Zulqarnain Abbasi and Adnan Mukhtar Sajid Iqbal for their hard work to make the event successful and result oriented.
Ms. Saima Sukhera, Senior Advisor Trade and Government Relations, Pakistan Britain Business Council, moderated the session impressively, while Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub delivered the vote of thanks.
