Deepfakes and AI-Generated Content Pose Major Challenge to Government and Society: Sharjeel Inam Memon

Karachi: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has warned that deepfakes and artificial intelligence–generated content have emerged as a major challenge not only for governments but for society and political parties as well.

Speaking during a session on fake news and artificial intelligence on the second day of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference in Karachi, Sharjeel Memon said that AI-generated fake content is causing widespread harm to society and influencing public opinion in dangerous ways. The session was hosted by Sharmila Faruqui and focused on the growing threat of misinformation, disinformation, and technological misuse.

He said the issue is no longer confined to the government alone, as political parties and democratic processes are also being affected. Highlighting the increasing misuse of cloned voices and manipulated videos, he noted that fake news is often circulated under the names of reputable television channels, misleading the public.

Sharjeel Memon informed the conference that the Sindh Information Department monitors the situation around the clock, but stressed the urgent need for an effective system to distinguish between fake and authentic content. He emphasized that developing AI-based detection tools has become a critical necessity of the time. He added that the government is continuously monitoring major social media platforms, including Facebook, X, TikTok, and Instagram.

The senior minister warned that those involved in spreading fake content would face consequences, as false information can endanger lives. He called fake news a serious challenge for the entire society and stressed the need for strong legislation to address the problem. He said that while the PECA Act is already in place, further improvements are required to make it more effective.

He also underscored the importance of professional training for journalists, stating that unverified news can severely damage reputations. He stressed that laws must be applied equally to all segments of society and that accountability, legal action, and punishment for spreading false information are essential.

National Assembly member Daniyal Chaudhry said that the government has taken steps to counter fake news, but more work is needed on various related aspects. He noted a significant increase in the use of AI over the past year and emphasized the need for a more comprehensive legal and regulatory framework in the future.

Provincial Assembly member from Balochistan, Farah Azeem Shah, said that misinformation is often spread deliberately rather than accidentally. She stated that terrorist groups in Balochistan use fake news and manipulated videos to demoralize security forces, create fear among civilians, and weaken trust between the state and the public. She stressed that Pakistan’s response should be calm, lawful, and transparent, based on timely and verified communication.

The conference also featured a session on climate change, chaired by Senator Sherry Rehman. She warned that excessive use of plastic is pushing society toward serious health risks, including cancer, and called for urgent practical measures on the ground. She highlighted water scarcity as a growing threat, noting that underground water in Balochistan has been depleted and freshwater reserves in Punjab are rapidly declining.

National Assembly member Tamkeen Akhtar Niazi emphasized the need for modern water purification techniques and highlighted efforts to tackle air pollution in Punjab. She also noted the role of NDMA in using satellite imaging to monitor floods, heatwaves, and areas vulnerable to food and water shortages.

At the conclusion of the conference, participants emphasized that environmental action is not only a governmental responsibility but also a moral obligation, urging the public to actively support government efforts to meet environmental and societal challenges.