KU forum links balance amid chaos to opportunity

Speakers urge youth to see uncertainty as opening for growth, not control

IV Report

KARACHI: The MediaVerse platform at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Karachi, organised Verse '26 at the Prof Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium on Tuesday under the theme "Balance amid Chaos", bringing together voices from media, politics and arts to debate how to navigate uncertainty.

Former finance minister Asad Umar, a key speaker, urged youth to reframe chaos as opportunity rather than a problem to be controlled. "For youngsters, chaos should be perceived as an opportunity, not to control," he observed, noting that people today carry a distinct online identity which brings chaos within.

The discussion was centred on digital overload, mental balance and positive content as a coping mechanism.

KU Dean Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Prof Dr Muhammad Haris Shoaib said the overflow of information and graphic content on digital media has made access to accurate knowledge and mental focus a challenge. "This brings chaos around us, and publication of soothing, calm and purposeful content helps overcome this," he stressed.

Chairperson, Department of Mass Communication, Prof Dr Sadia Mahmood said the distinct factor of MediaVerse is the voluntary effort of students who outperform despite academic and personal commitments.

Creative Advisor MediaVerse Waqar Hussain said the platform enhances professional and creative skills and addresses contemporary issues including community development for differently-abled persons. "The impact of MediaVerse will always be there, and this is how we will keep the Verse alive," he said.

MediaVerse Founder and Editor Syeda Mona Batool Taqvi, who guided the event, said the theme was inspired by growing chaos and uncertainty, where mental calm has become a major challenge.

A major highlight was a panel discussion moderated by Fuchsia Magazine Founder Rabia Mugni. Panellists included actor-director Saife Hasan, actor Ali Khan, content creator Usama Nasir and Asad Umar. The panel explored how clarity of thought and positive outlook enable better decision-making in rapidly changing circumstances.

Usama Nasir shared how he balances personal life with online identity, ensuring his digital presence does not overshadow his real life.

In the Verse Talk segment, comedian and content creator Junaid Akram aka Ganji Swag said chaos has been part of his life since childhood. "Controlling chaos can become toxic at times, shaping your life around it. Fail fast, fail often, and never take criticism negatively," he said in a lively Q&A on work-life balance.

To ensure inclusivity, proceedings were interpreted into sign language in collaboration with ConnectHear. The third issue of MediaVerse Magazine was also launched on the occasion.

The central message of Verse '26, supported by Al Baraka Bank (Pakistan) Ltd and over 65 partners, was that even amid chaos, awareness, positive thinking and balanced approaches can open the door to better possibilities.

(With input from KU press release) 

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

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