STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION IN PAKISTAN, FRAMEWORK, STRATEGIES AND MANIFESTATION

Abstract

This paper presents a multi-stakeholder framework (MSF) for strategic communication based on public-private partnership for addressing fake news/narratives and misperceptions in an age driven by mainstream social media. The framework espouses a two-pronged strategic communication: first, two-way communication between state institutes and all the stakeholders to build consensus domestically on national narratives and, second, to establish international coordination with the tech companies that are engines of misinformation and fake news that endangers national security and social cohesion of the country. Domestically, the focus should be on consensus-based narrative-building to reduce the trust deficit among various stakeholders. Secondly, to counter misinformation, fake news, and misperceptions that threaten national socio-political cohesion, it is crucial to enhance international cooperation with tech companies. The MSF strives to serve as Pakistan's strategic communication hub. This study follows the mixed methods approach and analysis of the ongoing debate in Pakistan regarding the impact of social media on national cohesion and the possible ban of tech companies to prevent such threats. The literature review for this paper comprises expert opinions and input from a range of stakeholders on prevailing crises that emerge from social media misinformation campaigns and propaganda.