Karachi, September 3, 2025 – Tech Valley, in collaboration with the Government of Sindh and Google, has officially launched the Digital Sahafat 2.0 Scholarships Program, aimed at strengthening journalism in Pakistan through advanced digital training and access to cutting-edge tools.
Building on the success of the pilot program of Digital Sahafat, which trained 500+ journalists and media students in areas such as digital reporting, verification, and AI-powered journalism tools, Digital Sahafat 2.0 introduces a 1,000-scholarship program. These scholarships will be equally distributed among working journalists, government spokespersons, and media students from public universities.
Speaking at the launch event, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasized the role of digital journalism in combating misinformation and ensuring transparency. He stated, “This is not just about technology; it is about truth, accountability, and democracy. By equipping journalists with modern digital tools, we are investing in credibility and public trust.”
The program will provide training on tools such as Google Lens, Google Advanced Search, Google Maps, Pinpoint, and NotebookLM, enabling participants to produce more accurate, data-driven, and engaging stories. With a strong focus on outreach to remote regions like Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan, this year the initiative ensures inclusivity and national impact.
CEO of Tech Valley, Umar Farooq, expressed pride in this collaboration, highlighting how it aligns with the organization’s mission to bridge the digital divide in journalism. “Through Digital Sahafat, we’re empowering journalists and media students with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. This initiative will help curb misinformation while amplifying credible voices across Pakistan.”
The launch event at the Chief Minister House, Karachi, was attended by senior officials, including Sindh Minister of Information Sharjeel Inam Memon, Chairman HEC Sindh Prof. Tariq Rafi, Secretary Science and Information Technology Department, Noor Ahmad Samo, Vice Chancellors of leading universities, representatives from Google Asia, including Paul Hutchings, and Tech Valley leadership.
The Digital Sahafat 2.0 Scholarships Program marks a major step toward fostering responsible, AI-driven journalism in Pakistan, equipping the next generation of journalists with tools to navigate the challenges of misinformation and digital transformation.
