Freedom of Expression Does Not Mean Spreading Fake News, Crackdown to Be Enforced: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi

**Lahore:** Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized that freedom of expression does not mean spreading false information, warning that a crackdown on fake news will now be implemented.

Speaking to the media, Naqvi stated that the deportation of illegally residing Afghan nationals across the country will be ensured. He urged Afghan citizens to return to their homeland with dignity, noting that they are no longer considered guests in Pakistan.

He highlighted that recent terrorist attacks involved Afghan nationals, including three attackers on the Frontier Corps (FC) and the Islamabad court assailant. Naqvi said the process of returning illegally residing Afghans is ongoing and successful so far, warning that any Afghan returning illegally after deportation will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law. The process of closing Afghan camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also begun.

The Interior Minister stressed that it is now clear who is behind terrorist activities and called on the Afghan Taliban government to take action against terrorists. He noted that operations against Afghan nationals are ongoing in all three provinces, but in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa they are being given undue protection, which violates national security protocols. “Politics has its place, but no province can implement its own policy on national security. A nationwide strategy must prevail, and no deviation will be allowed,” he said.

Naqvi also criticized false information circulating on social media, claiming that 90% of such news is fake. He warned that strict measures will now be taken against social media users spreading fake news. He said that while national media operates under a system where PEMRA takes immediate action against false reporting, social media will now face strict enforcement.

He further stated that no one will be allowed to defame others on social media or compromise national security. Regarding Pakistanis abroad, Naqvi added that they will soon be brought back to face accountability for their statements.