Key findings

• Both science organisations and academia in Pakistan prioritise administrative publicity and ceremonial content over substantive science communication. Press releases and social media posts are overwhelmingly focused on non-scientific matters, with science-related content making up a small share.
• Even when science content is produced, it is mostly limited to event announcements and institutional promotions rather than enhancing public understanding of complex phenomena or celebrating scientific achievements. Research findings and expert commentary, which scholars believe are the most valuable components of scientific information, are rarely found in the correspondence issued by the identified scientific organisations and academia.
• Journalists struggle to access reliable, locally grounded scientific stories due to the lack of institutional support and meaningful science communication. This leaves society vulnerable to superstition, rumour and misinformation, undermining rationalist discourse and public interest journalism.

Core recommendations:

• Universities should create dedicated Science Communication Centres within their Offices of Research, Innovation, and Commercialisation (ORICs) to develop accessible scientific content, build media linkages and train faculty and students in science communication skills.
• Science organisations must maintain regularly updated media sections on their websites and invest in multimedia formats (videos, podcasts, infographics) to make scientific knowledge accessible to the public and journalists.
• Train digital content creators, public relations officers and faculty members in effective science communication, storytelling and digital engagement to improve both the quantity and quality of scientific content.

Strategic actions

The study encourages regular interactions and a network between researchers and journalists through media briefings, science cafes and expert directories to facilitate evidence-based reporting and public engagement.