October 27, 2025
Muhammad Junaid & Aitzaz Ibrahim
LAHORE
A new nationwide study on media education in Pakistan has found major gaps between the academia and the media industry: nearly 60 percent of the universities across Pakistan are offering a degree in Journalism, but are lacking any formal ties with media organisations. Around 40 percent of these institutions lack digital media labs and one in 10 have no practical training facilities – a critical gap in an era dominated by online platforms and AI-driven journalism.
The study, titled “Modernizing Media Education in Pakistan” has been jointly produced by International Media Support (IMS), Mediastan, and the Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development (IRADA). The report was launched during a national conference of education departments hosted by the Punjab University’s Department of Digital Media in collaboration with IMS and Freedom Network.
The findings are based on a survey of the faculty of 92 universities and colleges offering a Bachelor’s degree in Media and Communication studies, an increasingly popular choice for many students. The report maps the country’s media education landscape and proposes a roadmap for reform.
Despite these challenges, the report notes significant expansion in the sector. The number of universities offering media and communication degrees has more than tripled, rising from 21 in 2006 to 100 in 2025, with nearly 37,500 students currently enrolled nationwide.
‘Collaboration beyond traditional outlets needed’
IMS Programme Manager Adnan Rehmat, who co-authored the study, emphasized the need to bridge the gap between academia and the professional media sector.
“Structured partnerships between media studies departments and professional associations can expose students to ethics, newsroom culture and legal frameworks that define responsible journalism,” he said. “Collaborations must also expand beyond legacy outlets to include digital-first media.”
The report proposes a 16-point roadmap for reform, recommending public–private collaborations, faculty development, curriculum updates aligned with market trends, and gender and regional inclusivity. It also urges universities to establish media labs, diversify specializations, and create opportunities for experiential learning through internships and newsroom simulations.
Punjab dominates media education landscape
Co-author of the report, Dr. Shafiq Ahmad Kamboh, who is also Assistant Professor at Punjab University, said that investment in faculty training and accreditation is vital to keep pace with technological change.
“The rapid growth of media education shows a strong demand for trained professionals,” Kamboh said. “To sustain quality, universities must innovate pedagogically and build stronger ties with the media industry.”
The report also highlights regional disparities — more than half of Pakistan’s media education departments are located in Punjab, while no private universities in Balochistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir or Gilgit-Baltistan offer media degrees.
The authors argue that bridging these geographical and institutional gaps is key to developing a media education system that serves both students and the broader public interest.
The full report is available for download at mediastanpk.com/publications