PU research on fake news gains International recognition in Germany

Dr. Khuram Shahzad was invited by Bielefeld University as a resource person to deliver a workshop titled “Fake News on Social Media and Migration.” The session was organised for students

LAHORE: Research by Punjab University (PU) on the scientific identification of fake news and propaganda content has received international recognition after Assistant Professor and Senior Public Relations Officer Dr. Khuram Shahzad conducted a specialised training workshop at Bielefeld University in Germany.

Dr. Khuram Shahzad was invited by Bielefeld University as a resource person to deliver a workshop titled “Fake News on Social Media and Migration.” The session was organised for students enrolled in BS and Master’s programmes and was attended by Dr. Aksakel of the university’s Research Training Group on World Politics.

During the workshop, Dr. Khuram Shahzad discussed the emergence, dissemination and social impact of fake news on social media, particularly in relation to migration. He explained methods for verifying information, identifying misleading narratives and assessing propaganda content through scientific approaches.

The training drew upon Dr. Khuram Shahzad’s PhD research conducted at Punjab University, through which he developed a model comprising 11 scientific indicators for identifying propaganda content. His invitation by Bielefeld University to share this research with German students and researchers highlights the international academic relevance of research carried out at a Pakistani university.

Dr. Khuram Shahzad also explained how misinformation surrounding sensitive issues such as migration can shape public perceptions, influence public opinion and affect policy debates. He emphasised that understanding scientific methods of information verification can help students critically evaluate content circulating on social media and develop a more evidence-based understanding of complex social issues.

Bielefeld University, a major public-sector university in Germany with around 25,000 students, has academic and research programmes covering a wide range of disciplines. The workshop provided an opportunity for Pakistani and German academics and students to exchange perspectives on misinformation, migration and digital communication.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Khuram Shahzad expressed gratitude to German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel for supporting educational and research linkages between Germany and Pakistan. He also thanked Dr. Aksakel and Bielefeld University for providing an opportunity to present his research to an international academic audience.

He said stronger academic and research collaboration between Pakistani and German universities could create new opportunities for faculty members, researchers and students while contributing to a better understanding of shared social challenges.

Dr. Aksakel highlighted the significance of migration and refugee-related issues, noting that misleading information circulating on social media can contribute to misconceptions and potentially influence public policy. He stressed the importance of strengthening the ability of students and researchers to scientifically examine and assess propaganda and misinformation.

The workshop concluded with an extensive question-and-answer session, during which participants examined examples of migration-related fake news circulating on German social media platforms and discussed practical approaches for detecting misleading information.

The event provided a platform for international academic exchange while highlighting the potential of Pakistani university research to contribute to global discussions on misinformation, propaganda and social media.