KARACHI: The fake news threat in Sindh is damaging individuals and families, said Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon while speaking in the Sindh Assembly. He warned that misinformation spreads quickly and causes emotional, social, and reputational harm.
Sharjeel said citizens can file complaints against false news with the Cyber Crime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency. He stressed that action must be taken against individuals or media outlets that deliberately spread false information.
He clarified that the government supports freedom of expression but opposes fabricated content.
Parliamentary Committee to Address Fake News Threat in Sindh
Sharjeel proposed forming a parliamentary committee to examine the fake news threat in Sindh. He suggested introducing a resolution in the Assembly to prepare legal and policy recommendations.
He noted that defamation laws already exist. However, enforcement remains weak. He pointed out that in countries like the UK, media outlets issue public apologies when regulators penalize them.
The minister also referred to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). He said stronger provincial mechanisms are needed to ensure implementation.
He further suggested creating a provincial authority empowered to take direct action against those spreading misinformation.
Government Ads Should Be Handled by APNS
Sharjeel said decisions about government advertisements for newspapers should be independent. He proposed empowering the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) to manage the process.
“We want to empower APNS so the system becomes transparent and efficient,” he said. He added that the government sent multiple letters but received no substantial response.
Protest Rights and Law Enforcement
The minister also spoke about recent protests in Karachi. Referring to Jamaat-e-Islami, he said everyone has the right to protest. However, no one has the right to block roads or harm citizens.
He questioned why Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, who is also an Assembly member, holds daily press conferences but does not raise issues inside the House.
Sharjeel said Shahrah-e-Faisal was closed despite restrictions. He claimed police had informed protest leaders that entry into the red zone would not be allowed. He alleged that some protesters threw stones at police officers.
“Are police officers not citizens of Karachi? Do they not have families?” he asked.
He said the Sindh government is ready to offer alternative venues for protests but will not allow forced entry into restricted zones.
FAQs
1. What did Sharjeel Inam Memon say about fake news?
He said fake news harms individuals and families. He called it a serious issue that needs legal and parliamentary action.
2. How can citizens report fake news in Pakistan?
Citizens can file complaints with the Cyber Crime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
3. What solution did he propose?
He suggested forming a parliamentary committee and creating a provincial authority to act against misinformation.
4. What was said about recent protests in Karachi?
He stated that protests are a right, but blocking roads and attacking police is unlawful.
