Lahore: (Tuesday, November 11, 2025): Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has said that in order to compete with the world, we need to reform our system, and universities must play their role in ensuring the positive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the three-day “Sahafi Summit 2025”, organized by the Punjab University Department of Media and Development Communication at Al-Razi Hall here on Tuesday. On this occasion, Provincial Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, senior journalist Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Chairperson Department of Media and Development Communication Dr Ayesha Ashfaq, founder of MMFD Asad Baig, heads of departments, media representatives, faculty members, and a large number of students were present. Addressing the ceremony, Sardar Saleem Haider said that AI could bring improvement in various fields, including journalism. However, it is too early to predict whether this tool will prove to be a friend or foe of humankind in the future — a question that requires more research, dialogue, and debate. He expressed hope that young students would demonstrate responsibility by promoting the positive use of AI. He noted that nearly 60% of the news reaching us today is baseless or fabricated and emphasized the need to analyze how AI is influencing society and the world. He appreciated the organization of the summit at PU and congratulated the organizers for their efforts. Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said that the use of AI has brought ease, innovation, and speed to work. He said that social media has played a major role in spreading false information, which makes education and training essential to counter this trend. He said that in the modern era, the role of responsible journalism has become even more crucial. He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab government is taking measures for the strengthening of media and the welfare of journalists. He stated that no machine or robot can ever replace a truthful journalist. He further said that PU is playing a vital role in national development by providing quality training to talented students across Pakistan.

Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said that the role of AI in journalism is becoming increasingly important. He stressed that students should not pursue degrees merely for the sake of getting jobs, and universities must take initiatives to change this mindset. He noted that the modern world is changing rapidly, and today’s students must begin exploring what the world will look like in the next five years when they enter the professional field. He emphasized the need to restart the entire education system and stated that media education plays a significant role in universities, with curricula that should align with future needs. Senior journalist Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami said that AI has transformed the landscape of the media industry, making it difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood. He cautioned that the use of AI requires prudence, noting that a gun in the hands of a soldier ensures protection, but the same gun in the hands of a robber leads to plunder. Dr Ayesha Ashfaq said that the objective of the three-day summit is to educate PU students about the impact of AI on journalism. She stated that AI is transforming the media industry and emphasized that maintaining balance in society requires the responsible use of power. She thanked PU VC and other contributors for their support in organizing the event. Asad Baig said that while AI is leading to the loss of certain jobs, it is also creating new opportunities. He added that the media industry should harness the proper use of AI to reap its benefits.