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PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON PAYS COURTESY CALL ON PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR |
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Islamabad, Pakistan - 24 November
2025 The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Islamabad received Mr. Murtaza Solangi, Spokesperson of President Asif Ali Zardari, for a courtesy call on Ambassador Emmanuel R. Fernandez at the Philippine Embassy Chancery in the Diplomatic Enclave. During the cordial meeting, Ambassador Fernandez and Mr. Solangi exchanged views on the critical role of communication and media in contemporary governance, democratic discourse, and foreign policy. Mr. Solangi, a veteran broadcaster and former head of Pakistan's national radio, shared insights drawn from his decades-long experience in journalism and international broadcasting. He recalled his tenure at Radio Pakistan, during which it cooperated with key international broadcasters, as well as his leadership roles in regional broadcasting organizations. In his current capacity as Spokesperson of the President, Mr. Solangi heads the communications apparatus of the Presidency, overseeing speeches, public messages, press releases, and reports of the President's engagements with foreign dignitaries and domestic stakeholders. Ambassador Fernandez noted the parallels with the Philippine experience, where several senior officials, including former Secretaries of Foreign Affairs, had also come from media and journalism backgrounds, underscoring the value of communication skills in public service and diplomacy. The two sides discussed evolving media consumption patterns in Pakistan and the Philippines, including the growing dominance of social media and digital platforms as primary sources of information. Mr. Solangi observed that while radio and television continue to have a presence, particularly among drivers and workers on duty, smart devices and social media now shape how most people access news and public information. Ambassador Fernandez agreed that these trends present both challenges and opportunities for public diplomacy and responsible communication. The conversation also touched on the phenomenon of fake news and disinformation, amplified by new technologies such as artificial intelligence and deepfakes. Mr. Solangi underscored the importance of fact-checking, digital literacy, and the development of credible sources of information, especially for younger audiences. Ambassador Fernandez highlighted that the Philippines faces similar challenges and emphasized the need for like-minded countries to share best practices in combating disinformation while upholding freedom of expression. Beyond media and communications, Ambassador Fernandez and Mr. Solangi discussed potential areas for deeper cooperation between the Philippines and Pakistan, including climate change and disaster resilience, agriculture and rice research, and the development of the halal industry. Both acknowledged that climate change poses serious risks to vulnerable communities in both countries through intensified weather events, flooding, and sea-level rise, and agreed that there is considerable scope for sharing experiences and best practices in adaptation and mitigation. Mr. Solangi conveyed his warm regard for the Philippines and expressed interest in visiting Manila in the future. Ambassador Fernandez, for his part, stated that the Embassy would be honored to facilitate deeper exchanges between Philippine and Pakistani institutions, including in the fields of media, academic cooperation, and climate change mitigation. |
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| Plot No. 3, 4, and 5 Khayaban-e-Suhrwardy | Plot No. 3, 4, and 5 Khayaban-e-Suhrwardy | |||||||||||||||
| Diplomatic Enclave Sector G-5 | Diplomatic Enclave Sector G-5 | |||||||||||||||
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Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines Islamabad, Pakistan |
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