Pak–US Friends Forum, World Watch Alert launched to promote dialogue and responsible media

The Pak–US Friends Forum (PUFF) and World Watch Alert (WWA) were formally launched at an inaugural ceremony aimed at promoting informed discourse, cross-border dialogue and responsible communication amid growing challenges posed by misinformation.

The ceremony was chaired by Asif Ali Bhatti, chairman, CEO and chief editor, who outlined the vision behind PUFF and World Watch Alert. He said the initiatives seek to create credible and inclusive platforms that encourage constructive engagement, ethical journalism and meaningful people-to-people connections.

The chief guest, Muhammad Aftab Chaudhary, consul general of Pakistan in Houston, highlighted the importance of sustained community engagement and dialogue in further strengthening Pak–US relations. Reaffirming his support for PUFF, he said such initiatives play a vital role in building mutual trust, enhancing cooperation and advancing shared goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The event featured a keynote address by Stephen McDowell, assistant provost and professor of communication at Florida State University, who underlined the critical role of media and communication in shaping international relations and public understanding.

The director of PULSE spoke on the need for community awareness and collective responsibility in countering misinformation and strengthening public discourse.

Recorded messages and remarks from advisory board members and speakers focused on academic collaboration, ethical journalism, environmental awareness and inclusive public engagement. Those who addressed the gathering or conveyed support included Baig, a Pakistani scientist based in the United States; Asaf Qadeer, physician and public intellectual; Jahangir Khattak, communications director at City University of New York; Afzal Butt, senior journalist and PFUJ president; Mujeeb Kazi, philanthropist and Kashmir advocate; and Iftikhar Sherazi, senior broadcaster and writer.

Other prominent supporters included Tayyab Shah, geospatial research manager at the University of Saskatchewan; Anwer Iqbal, senior journalist based in Washington DC; Raza Durrani, a Johns Hopkins University graduate; Zafar Iqbal, vice chancellor of Gomal University; Mujtaba Zaidi, CEO of Anthro Insights Pakistan; and Syed Rehan Hasan, patron-in-chief of Fake News Watchdog.

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Siraj Narsi, president of PAGH and an advisory board member of PUFF, described the forum as an emerging think tank and assured full community support. Brief remarks were also delivered by Barkat Charania, trustee emeritus and co-founder of the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston.

Contributions were also made by Mudassar Siddique, president of the College of DuPage; Jalaluddin Qureshi, hydro-geologist and environmental expert; Awais Saleem, associate professor at Lamar University; Waqar Aziz, founder of N&J Oilfield Services in Houston; and Shahbaz Mian, former Lahore Press Club president and senior broadcast journalist.

The event was hosted by Alisha Ali, founder of the Pakistan Youth Forum, who stressed the role of youth and media in shaping future narratives. A souvenir shield was presented to the consul general by the founders of PUFF and WWA along with advisory board members.

Participants from diverse backgrounds attended the ceremony. The Pak–US Friends Forum and World Watch Alert aim to serve as ongoing platforms for dialogue, research and responsible storytelling across borders.