Fake News During PTI Protests Damaged Pakistan’s Global Image, Reveals Investigative Report
Islamabad:An investigative report by the global “Fake News Watchdog” has highlighted the detrimental impact of fake news spread during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests. The report reveals that the unchecked circulation of fabricated information significantly harmed Pakistan’s international image, misrepresenting the country on the global stage.
According to the report, one of the most damaging pieces of fake news was a fabricated statement falsely attributed to the Interior Minister about the people of Azad Kashmir. Additionally, false reports surrounding a supposed video message from PTI founder Imran Khan also contributed to misinformation during the protests.
The report further revealed that fake news regarding the arrest of PTI leaders Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi exacerbated the intensity of the protests. Likewise, rumors about hundreds of bodies being brought to hospitals like PIMS and Polyclinic had a negative impact on the situation.
**Fake News Amplified Tensions**
The “Fake News Watchdog” report also exposed how fake news about PTI leaders fueled the unrest. For example, baseless rumors about gunfire incidents targeting PTI leaders Asad Qaiser and Mahmood Khan Achakzai were widely circulated. False reports also claimed that Asad Qaiser was to be made PTI’s new chairman, which further added to the confusion.
Another major revelation was that fake accounts linked to Imran Khan’s son, Suleman Isa Khan, were used to incite PTI supporters. Furthermore, fake news about the alleged transfer of Imran Khan to Adiala Jail was later debunked.
**Fake News About Resignations and Casualties**
The report also dismissed claims about 600 army academy recruits resigning during the protests as false. Similarly, misleading statements made by former Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri regarding Imran Khan’s health had significant negative consequences. Additionally, a press conference by DPO Attock Dr. Ghyas Gul, where an old image of PTI protests was shown, also spread false information.
**False Death Reports**
One of the most controversial fake news stories involved the alleged death of a PTI worker who fell from a container during a protest. This incident was widely covered globally as a death, but upon further investigation, it was revealed that the worker was alive and later met with the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, disproving the death reports.
**Wide-Reaching Impact of Fake News**
The report concluded that the consequences of fake news were far-reaching, affecting not only security agencies but also PTI leadership and other political stakeholders. The spread of misinformation created immense challenges for the government, security forces, and political parties, undermining the integrity of the political process.
**Need for Urgent Action to Curb Fake News**
The “Fake News Watchdog” emphasized the urgent need for steps to combat the spread of fake news in Pakistan. It called for immediate measures to counter the proliferation of misinformation, which has been shown to significantly damage the nation’s reputation and disrupt the political climate.
The report underscores the importance of media responsibility and the need for coordinated efforts to tackle fake news, especially during sensitive political events.
