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May 3, 2026 - Comments Off on Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Press Freedom Amid Rising Threats to Journalists

Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Press Freedom Amid Rising Threats to Journalists

On World Press Freedom Day, Pakistan’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to protecting press freedom while acknowledging growing challenges faced by journalists. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of credible journalism, warning against rising disinformation, including AI-driven falsehoods, and the influence of digital platforms on public discourse.

Officials emphasised that a free and independent media is essential for democracy, while also calling for responsible reporting and adherence to ethical standards. However, concerns remain significant, as recent data shows increasing threats to journalists, including legal pressure, digital harassment, and physical violence.

The statements reflect a broader tension between commitments to press freedom and the realities of shrinking civic space, misinformation risks, and evolving challenges posed by digital technologies in Pakistan’s media landscape.

 

April 9, 2026 - Comments Off on AI-Doctored Video Falsely Attributed to Shashi Tharoor Goes Viral

AI-Doctored Video Falsely Attributed to Shashi Tharoor Goes Viral

A viral video circulating on social media falsely claiming to show Indian politician Shashi Tharoor criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Pakistan’s role in a US-Iran ceasefire has been debunked as AI-manipulated content. Fact-checkers found that the clip was taken from an older interview and altered using AI-generated voice dubbing. Visual and audio inconsistencies, along with forensic analysis, confirmed the presence of synthetic manipulation, while no credible sources reported such remarks. The spread of the video highlights growing concerns around deepfakes and their role in shaping political narratives and misinformation during sensitive geopolitical developments.

April 8, 2026 - Comments Off on AI-Doctored Video Falsely Shows Indian Anchor Reacting to Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role

AI-Doctored Video Falsely Shows Indian Anchor Reacting to Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role

A viral video claiming to show an Indian news anchor angrily reacting to Pakistan’s role in brokering a US-Iran ceasefire has been debunked as false and AI-manipulated. Fact-checkers identified multiple visual inconsistencies, including distorted objects and incoherent on-screen text, while forensic tools confirmed the audio was largely AI-generated. The clip was widely circulated by social media accounts and public figures, amplifying a misleading narrative around regional diplomacy. Experts warn that such AI-generated content is increasingly being used to influence public perception and fuel information warfare during sensitive geopolitical developments.

April 6, 2026 - Comments Off on Old Video Misused as ‘Captured US Pilot’ in Iran War Disinformation

Old Video Misused as ‘Captured US Pilot’ in Iran War Disinformation

A viral video widely shared across social media falsely claimed to show Iranian forces capturing an American pilot after shooting down a US fighter jet. The footage, which garnered millions of views across platforms, was circulated by multiple accounts in different languages amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. However, fact-checking revealed that the video is unrelated to the conflict and actually shows a Libyan soldier performing a parachute jump, originally posted in March. Visual analysis confirmed identical elements, including the parachute and surroundings, proving the footage was repurposed. Experts warn that such misleading content thrives during conflicts, exploiting public interest and contributing to confusion and information disorder online.

March 30, 2026 - Comments Off on Fake AI Detection Tools Raise New Disinformation Risks

Fake AI Detection Tools Raise New Disinformation Risks

As concerns over AI-generated content grow, researchers are warning about a new wave of fraudulent AI detection tools that falsely label authentic content as machine-generated. Investigations found that several tools, including JustDone AI, TextGuard, and Refinely, incorrectly flagged human-written text, including news reports and literary works, as AI-generated, while prompting users to pay fees to “humanise” the content. Experts say these tools not only produce unreliable results but may also be deliberately designed to monetise misinformation. The misuse of such detectors risks damaging reputations, undermining trust in verification systems, and enabling a growing disinformation tactic known as the “liar’s dividend,” where authentic content is dismissed as fake.

March 28, 2026 - Comments Off on Coordinated Disinformation Network Targeting Pakistan Exposed

Coordinated Disinformation Network Targeting Pakistan Exposed

A coordinated disinformation campaign targeting Pakistan has been uncovered, involving fake Iranian identities and networks allegedly operated from India and Afghanistan. The operation used a structured model, initiator, proliferator and amplifier, to spread false narratives portraying Pakistan as aligned with Western interests and hostile to Iran. Investigations revealed that initial content was created through fake accounts, while amplification was carried out through networks designed to simulate Iranian public opinion. Among the claims circulated were allegations that Pakistan was facilitating oil transport for the United States. Experts warn that such coordinated campaigns are part of broader information warfare strategies aimed at undermining regional trust, influencing public perception, and escalating geopolitical tensions.

September 13, 2025 - Comments Off on Crackdown on Anti-State Social Media Campaigns Intensifies

Crackdown on Anti-State Social Media Campaigns Intensifies

The federal government has intensified its crackdown on anti-state campaigns being run on social media, with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) taking the lead in identifying and prosecuting those involved.

According to official information, the NCCIA has registered 356 FIRs across Pakistan against individuals accused of spreading anti-state propaganda online. In addition, 789 enquiries have been initiated into suspects posting content targeting state institutions.

During the recent Marka-e-Haq campaign, when anti-army posts gained traction online, the agency registered 52 cases against individuals allegedly involved in spreading content against the armed forces.

Officials said NCCIA also assisted police in the investigation of the May 9, 2025, incident, where social media was allegedly used to orchestrate attacks. By analysing suspects’ digital footprints and old posts, investigators established evidence that led to multiple convictions in Lahore, Sargodha, and Mianwali.

To curb online misuse, multiple Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) have been formed. NCCIA also works closely with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for timely removal of harmful content, while identified accounts are regularly forwarded to platforms for blocking.

The agency’s Open Source Intelligence Unit (OSINT) continues to monitor online activity to detect emerging propaganda patterns, with the goal of preventing disinformation before it spreads.

Officials maintain these measures are necessary to protect national security and safeguard state institutions from coordinated digital disinformation campaigns.

 

September 8, 2025 - Comments Off on TikToker Booked for Spreading Fake News About Floods

TikToker Booked for Spreading Fake News About Floods

Police in Jhelum have registered a case against a TikToker under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for uploading a fake video that showed water spilling from the Mangla Dam. The video caused widespread panic and fear, falsely suggesting that hundreds of villages were submerged. The FIR, filed on the complaint of a police sub-inspector, accuses the TikToker of spreading disinformation and creating public anxiety.

May 9, 2025 - Comments Off on Flood of Misinformation Clouds India-Pakistan Tensions

Flood of Misinformation Clouds India-Pakistan Tensions

As tensions rise between India and Pakistan, social media platforms are being overwhelmed with misinformation, including fake videos, AI-generated imagery, and mislabelled conflict footage.

Since the early hours of 7 May, fact-checkers and digital forensics teams have debunked dozens of viral posts. False claims range from AI-generated drone footage to simulations and old war footage from Gaza, Ukraine, and even video games.

Indian and Pakistani media outlets, as well as prominent journalists, have circulated outdated or fabricated visuals, including a missile clip from Israel’s 2023 Gaza strikes and footage from the 2020 Beirut explosion.

India's Press Information Bureau has flagged at least 21 fake posts, including a widely shared civil defence “advisory” that it labelled as misinformation.

Experts warn that algorithm-driven content prioritizes engagement over truth, fueling an online information war where the line between fact and fiction continues to blur.

Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/operation-sindoor-fake-news-india-pakistan-strikes-b2747183.html

May 2, 2025 - Comments Off on Hania Aamir denies fake statement on Pahalgam attack

Hania Aamir denies fake statement on Pahalgam attack

Pakistani actor Hania Aamir has publicly rejected a fabricated statement circulating on social media that falsely attributed controversial remarks to her in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack in India.

The viral post falsely claimed Aamir criticised Pakistan’s military and urged the Indian prime minister to differentiate between civilians and “Islamist terrorists.” In an Instagram story, Aamir clarified that she had never made such a statement, calling it “entirely fabricated” and unreflective of her views. She expressed condolences for the lives lost in the attack and urged restraint, stating, “Pain like this is real, and it deserves empathy, not politicisation.” Aamir also cautioned against disinformation and blame-based narratives that deepen divisions.

Her Instagram account is among several Pakistani celebrity accounts reportedly blocked in India following the April 22 attack, part of a wider clampdown that included bans on 16 Pakistani YouTube channels.