KARACHI, October 20, 2026: Verse’26, an annual event by MediaVerse powered by Al Baraka Bank (Pakistan) Limited and organised by students of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Karachi, brought together more than 500 attendees for a day of insightful discussions, creative expression and industry engagement around the theme “Control in Chaos.”
Organised under the guidance of Founder and Editor Ms. Syeda Mona Batool Taqvi, Verse’26 marked the third edition of MediaVerse this year, further strengthening the student-led platform’s connection between academic learning and real-world media practice.
Held at the Prof. Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium, ICCBS, University of Karachi, the event brought together prominent personalities from media, politics, business and academia to explore how individuals can navigate uncertainty and the chaos surrounding modern life through clarity, awareness and a mindful approach.
As a student-driven initiative, MediaVerse provided students with an opportunity to transform academic theory into practical media execution while putting their creative and organisational abilities to the test in a real-world environment.
The event commenced with Qirat, followed by the national anthem in collaboration with CODA Pakistan, which was interpreted in sign language by a group of deaf students. The opening proceedings set the stage for a day focused on meaningful dialogue, inclusion and creative engagement.
The event was formally inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Sadia Mahmood, Chairperson of the Department of Mass Communication.
“The world around has become chaotic and disastrous, and finding control under these circumstances is tedious. This birthed the concept of Verse’26, ‘Control in Chaos,’” the Founder said.
Dr. Sadia Mahmood highlighted the diverse student talent behind MediaVerse, saying, “What makes MediaVerse distinct is the diverse minds of students behind it, who voluntarily outperform themselves despite other commitments.”
MediaVerse’s Impact and Initiatives
The keynote address was delivered by Waqar Hussain, Creative Advisor of MediaVerse, who highlighted the team’s activities and initiatives throughout the year.
“MediaVerse has extended in the best possible ways for the Department of Mass Communication students, community development for differently abled, and focusing on the ongoing chaotic challenges around us. The impact of MediaVerse will always be there, and this is how we will keep the Verse alive,” he said.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Harris Shoaib, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, also encouraged the students and extended his best wishes.
“In today’s world, digital media has overflow of information, supplemented with graphic content. This brings chaos around us, and publication of soothing content help overcome this,” he said.
Industry Leaders Discuss ‘Control in Chaos’
The highlight of the event was a panel discussion moderated by Rabia Mughni, Founder of Fuschia Magazine.
The panel featured renowned director and actor Saife Hasan, actor Alyy Khan, content creator Osamah Nasir, and former Finance Minister Asad Umar.
The discussion focused on the theme “Control in Chaos” and explored how clarity, awareness and a positive perspective can help people navigate uncertainty and turn challenging circumstances into opportunities.
Asad Umar emphasised that young people should view chaos as an opportunity rather than simply something that needs to be controlled.
The discussion also examined the impact of digital identities and social media on personal lives. Osamah Nasir spoke about maintaining a distinction between his online persona and personal life, explaining how he evolved as a person while ensuring that his digital presence did not overwhelm his offline identity.
Accessibility at the Heart of the Event
In a major step towards inclusivity, the entire event was interpreted in sign language in collaboration with ConnectHear, allowing members of the deaf community to fully participate in the proceedings.
The initiative ensured that attendees could engage with the speakers, discussions and performances, reinforcing MediaVerse’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
Junaid Akram Joins Verse Talk
Another standout segment was Verse Talk, featuring Pakistani comedian and content creator Junaid Akram, popularly known as Ganji Swag, as the guest speaker.
Junaid Akram engaged with the audience in a lively session focused on managing personal and professional challenges. The session was followed by an interactive Q&A, during which attendees asked questions about how he manages his own challenges and maintains a clear vision while balancing work and personal life.
Strong Industry Support
The industry’s confidence in the student-led platform was reflected in the support of more than 65 sponsors and partners for Verse’26.
The event also attracted respected industry leaders, LinkedIn thought leaders, Instagram influencers, brand representatives and other professionals, highlighting the growing reputation of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Karachi for developing future media professionals.
Through a combination of print media, digital storytelling, live discussions and industry interaction, MediaVerse 3.0 created a platform for students to engage with the world beyond their classrooms.
Centred on the theme “Control in Chaos,” the third edition encouraged attendees to view uncertainty from different perspectives, identify opportunities within challenging circumstances and explore ways to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
By bringing together leaders, changemakers, academics and creative professionals from diverse industries, Verse’26 continued MediaVerse’s effort to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experience.