Media Literacy in Pakistan: A Systematic Review on Current Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions

Abstract

Media literacy has become a vital field of study in Pakistan, as swift digital transformation and changing media environments have heightened the necessity for educated public interaction with media content. This systematic literature review analyzes the present status of media literacy studies in Pakistan, with particular attention to its educational, sociopolitical, technological, and linguistic aspects. The review integrates insights from various academic sources, applying a strict methodological approach to achieve thematic consistency and thorough analysis. Findings indicate media literacy education continues to be inadequately developed, frequently hindered by insufficient institutional backing and unequal availability of digital tools. Digital media literacy, while gaining attention, is frequently overshadowed by concerns over misinformation and political polarization. The relationship between media and society is intricate, as research identifies both strengthening and disruptive impacts on public debate. Political communication and health-related misinformation further complicate the media landscape, while language-specific media practices reflect Pakistan’s multilingual reality. This review synthesizes current understanding and highlights the pressing need to tackle media literacy as a complex issue in Pakistan’s changing digital landscape.