Quetta, Dec 20:
Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhel on Friday emphasized that democracy and independent journalism are inseparable, describing the media as the fourth pillar of the state that bridges the gap between the government and the public by ensuring accountability and amplifying diverse voices.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation led by SAMAA TV Bureau Chief Jalal Noorzai at the Governor House Quetta, the governor said that every new era brings fresh values, traditions, and challenges, particularly for the media and journalism industry amid rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and social media. He warned that failure to adapt to modern technologies and enhance professional capacity could expose journalists and media organizations to serious risks.
Governor Mandokhel noted that humanity is entering a penless and paperless future, fundamentally transforming the media landscape. Ongoing downsizing in major global media houses, he said, reflects the obsolescence of traditional business models driven by AI and digital literacy. He stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to understand and respond to evolving media dynamics. Senior journalist Shahzada Zulfiqar and Quetta Press Club President Irfan Saeed were also present.
