Islamabad, December 11, 2024 – Pakistan has taken a significant step to curb the spread of misinformation by blocking approximately 80,000 mobile phone SIM cards used for disseminating fake news, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Division, Sajid Mehdi, announced in the National Assembly on Wednesday. This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to combat the growing concern surrounding the spread of false information through digital platforms.
In response to a calling attention notice regarding the alarming increase in fake news on social media in Pakistan, which has stirred public unrest and created confusion, Sajid Mehdi detailed the government’s proactive measures. A joint task force was formed in Pakistan to tackle this issue, and its findings have already been submitted to the Prime Minister of Pakistan for further action. The task force’s report is expected to pave the way for enhanced regulations and enforcement to protect the public from the harmful effects of fake news.
To strengthen existing laws in Pakistan, the government is focusing on addressing gaps in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016. Mehdi revealed that amendments to the law are in the pipeline to expedite the trial of cases involving the spread of false news, ensuring more efficient legal action against offenders. The amendments are expected to create a more robust framework for handling such crimes swiftly.
Furthermore, the government of Pakistan has initiated the registration of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which have been widely used to circumvent regulations and spread fake news anonymously. This measure is aimed at limiting the ability of those who use VPNs to hide their digital identity while spreading misinformation.
In addition to these steps, an awareness campaign has been launched across the country to educate citizens about the dangers of sharing fake news. The government is using various media platforms and tools to promote better understanding and responsible online behavior.
Sajid Mehdi expressed confidence that these actions would help mitigate the growing problem of misinformation and lead to a more informed society. He further added that the government remains committed to ensuring that the digital space remains safe and trustworthy for all users, reducing the harmful impact of fake news on Pakistan’s social fabric.
