LAHORE (MNN); Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Monday that the information ministry, in collaboration with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), would soon launch a large-scale crackdown against fake news being circulated online.
Speaking to reporters in Lahore, he claimed that nearly 90 per cent of news circulating across social media in recent weeks was fabricated, though he reiterated his belief in free speech and the right to critique.
He explained that while mainstream media has an accountability structure in place through PEMRA and newsroom hierarchies, social media enables anyone to publish unverified claims and misinformation.
The minister insisted that criticism backed by evidence would not be restricted, but baseless allegations, false claims and malicious content would no longer be tolerated.
Naqvi said that journalists working within an editorial framework were considered responsible media professionals, whereas those spreading misinformation did not fall into that category. He stressed that freedom of expression was respected, but misusing digital platforms to spread panic under the pretext of journalism would face consequences.
When asked whether a new regulatory authority would be created, Naqvi said one was already in the process of being formed. He clarified that the government’s action was not aimed at journalists, but solely those who knowingly broadcast false information.
Responding to queries on political content originating from abroad, and criticism of Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Naqvi warned that those defaming institutions or crossing national red lines would face legal accountability, even if they were outside Pakistan.
On Afghan migrants, the interior minister claimed that unlike other provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was facing obstacles in the repatriation process and alleged that Afghan refugee camps continued to operate in KP despite federal denotification.
He said police SHOs had been tasked with identifying illegal Afghans, adding that those deported and found re-entering Pakistan would be arrested.
Naqvi cautioned that national security decisions could not be taken provincially, and KP must prioritise state security over politics.
Regarding the offloading of passengers at airports, the minister stated that only 50-70 travellers were being stopped daily, mostly due to incomplete documentation. He termed social media criticism an attempt by agents who would be affected by stricter enforcement.
On speculation surrounding the notification of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) appointment, Naqvi said delays were natural as a new constitutional institution was being structured, and not something finalised “at the press of a button”.
