Information minister flags rising dangers of disinformation, misinformation on social media

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has cautioned that disinformation campaigns on social media pose grave threats to both society and national security.

In an exclusive conversation with Pakistan TV on the sidelines of a strategic dialogue on social media literacy held in Islamabad, Tarar underscored the need for a comprehensive response rooted in strong legal mechanisms and enhanced public awareness.

The strategic dialogue was organized by the Canadian High Commission in Islamabad in collaboration with the Department of Digital Media, University of the Punjab.

The minister said: “The main threats that we face due to misinformation and disinformation and the lack of awareness about digital media, include threats to national security, the spread of religious radicalism, and risks to women and children.”

He also warned against the growing spread of religious radicalism and extremism through digital platforms, noting that vulnerable groups — particularly women and children — remain at heightened risk of online exploitation and manipulation.

Tarar commended the government’s ongoing initiatives to counter misinformation through awareness and training programmes, but acknowledged that more coordinated action is required. “We are dealing with these challenges; more needs to be done. We need more collaboration with international partners, regional partners, and various institutions,” he remarked. 

Also speaking to Pakistan TV, on the sidelines of the same forum, Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts in promoting digital literacy and strengthening its resilience against disinformation. 

He emphasised that fostering informed digital engagement is essential to protecting democratic discourse in the online sphere.

“We are really excited to support the strategic dialogue on building media literacy and digital resilience here in Pakistan. We are working with partners like the University of Punjab, UNESCO, and the National Press Club — it’s all about helping to prepare current journalists and the next generation on how to protect and promote safer and more democratic speech in the online space,” Khan noted.

Talking to Pakistan TV, Dr Savera Mujib Shami, Chairperson of the Department of Digital Media, School of Communication Studies, at the University of the Punjab, said in the age of the post-truth era, misinformation and disinformation have emerged as major challenges.

She said people need to be made aware of media literacy, stressing the need to make every citizen, whether a child or adult, media literate.