KARACHI: The Centre for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, under the leadership of its Director Shahzeb Jillani, organised a hands-on workshop on ‘Fact-Checking and Countering Digital and AI-Led Disinformation’. The session brought together seasoned journalists and media professionals with the aim of sharpening their verification skills in an era marked by the rapid rise of digital manipulation and artificial intelligence-generated content.
Prominent media personality and forensic science communicator Dr. Umair Haroon attended the workshop and actively engaged in the proceedings. He was joined by other senior media personnel, including Ahsan Lakhani, Abid Mujtaba, Irshad Sanjrani and Shoaib Burney.
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Dr. Umair Haroon has long drawn attention to the growing challenge posed by AI-generated content and has consistently emphasised the urgent need for practical verification tools in modern newsrooms. During the session, he shared his perspective, noting that continuous hands-on training is essential for media professionals. He stressed that journalists must be equipped to identify manipulation, verify claims with accuracy, and uphold credibility in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving information environment.
The workshop was led by Syed Talal Ahsan, Project Supervisor of CEJ-iVerify Pakistan. Participants were introduced to a range of practical tools and techniques designed to help verify claims, detect digital manipulation, and effectively counter emerging forms of digital and AI-led disinformation.
Through interactive discussions and hands-on exercises, attendees tested various verification methods, shared their newsroom experiences, and explored practical strategies to strengthen fact-checking practices. The session provided a valuable platform for media professionals to exchange insights and reinforce collaborative approaches to combat the spread of false and misleading information.
The workshop forms part of IBA-CEJ’s ongoing efforts to enhance professional capacity within Pakistan’s media industry and to promote responsible journalism in the face of new technological challenges.
