ISLAMABAD, August 8 — Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar condemned the Indian media for spreading false narratives about Pakistan. He called for a unified national front to counter the disinformation campaigns targeting the country.
National Assembly’s Stand Against Disinformation
During a National Assembly session, Tarar praised Parliament for its firm stance in Operation Bunyaan Marsus. Lawmakers showed collective support for Pakistan’s armed forces. He dismissed Indian media claims about destroyed ‘ports’ in Lahore and Multan, emphasizing the inaccuracy as both cities are landlocked.
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Misinformation
Tarar highlighted the joint efforts of Pakistan’s Parliament, armed forces, and media in countering false claims. Government and opposition members have played vital roles in reinforcing Pakistan’s global position. He expressed gratitude to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and other leaders for defending Pakistan on international platforms.
AI-Driven Misinformation Challenges
Tarar noted the increasing challenges in combating misinformation due to advancements in artificial intelligence, making the threat more complex and harder to detect.
Government Initiatives Against Fake News
To bolster efforts against disinformation, the federal minister announced several government initiatives:
- Launch of a Fact Checker Twitter handle for real-time verification
- Establishment of Pakistan’s first Digital Communication Department
- Implementation of the Fake News Buster program on PTV World
- Enhanced coordination among state-run media
Media outlets such as PBC, PTV, APP, and PID are actively identifying and countering fake news campaigns.
Proposal for Enhanced Parliamentary Coordination
Tarar proposed creating a parliamentary committee to improve institutional coordination and devise strategies against disinformation targeting Pakistan. He emphasized active opposition participation, crediting the National Assembly’s collective efforts for potential success.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq assured lawmakers that the proposal would be forwarded to the relevant Ministry of Information committee for necessary action.
