Islamabad, 10 January, 2024 (GNP): In preparation for the forthcoming general elections on February 8, an independent and non-partisan fact-checking tool, iVerify, was officially launched at a ceremony held in Islamabad.
This initiative aims to bolster the realm of unbiased reporting within Pakistan’s journalistic landscape, elevating the standards of accuracy and reliability.
Conceived by the Centre of Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), iVerify is internationally recognized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The platform’s launch was met with acclaim, boasting successful implementation in various countries, as highlighted in its press release.
The inauguration was followed by a panel discussion comprising eminent media professionals such as Mansoor Ali Khan, Zahrah Mazhar, Farhad Jarral, Absa Komal, Umer Cheema, and Nizam Salarzai.
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The panel emphasized the tool’s significance in the context of election journalism, especially in mitigating the dissemination of misinformation during high-stakes electoral coverage.
According to the press release, iVerify presents a robust verification system emphasizing factual authentication and meticulous analysis, enabling journalists to submit stories through its portal.
This system employs a comprehensive evaluation process, incorporating data-driven and language-based assessments, to ensure accuracy and contextualization in news reporting.
The platform’s mission statement underscores its commitment to empower voters by delivering verified and credible information, thereby fostering transparency within the electoral process and ensuring an informed electorate.
CEJ-IBA Director Amber Shamsi highlighted the significance of iVerify in promoting transparent and accountable news reporting, emphasizing its role in combating the surge of misinformation across digital and traditional media platforms.
In alignment with global concerns, the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024 flagged misinformation and disinformation as significant short-term risks ahead of major elections, reinforcing the critical need for accurate and reliable information dissemination during such crucial periods.
