Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) strongly condemns the circulation of an AI-generated video targeting and harassing journalist Benazir Shah. The fabrication and dissemination of synthetic content marks a dangerous escalation in digital attacks on the press. AI-driven manipulation can blur the line between truth and falsehood, fuel online abuse, and disproportionately endanger women journalists. This exploitation of emerging technologies undermines the safety, dignity, and independence of media professionals and poses a severe threat to press freedom.

PPF urges the newly established Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals to immediately take notice of this incident and initiate a thorough review. PPF also calls on Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar to follow through on his commitment to take action against those responsible. Additionally, PPF stresses the need for social media platforms to enforce stronger policies on synthetic media and prevent their misuse for targeted harassment.

The incident came to light on November 16, when Shah stated on X that an account followed by Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar had “made an AI video of me.” The video, posted by the account PakVocals, falsely claimed to be a “leaked video” of her “dancing in a club in London.” Reasserting her resolve in the face of harassment, she wrote, “But as we’ve said before, we’ll say it again: #AttacksWontSilenceUS.”

Responding publicly, Minister Tarar described the act as “totally unacceptable and highly condemnable” and added, “Nobody has the right to make fake videos and then disseminate them or try to harass any journalist by defaming them. I follow more than 1900 accounts. I do not condone the behaviour of this account and also assure you that action will be taken.”

Shah later said she appreciated the minister’s response but clarified that she would not pursue a case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) or through the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). She stated, “Doing so would lend legitimacy to a law and an institution that have been used to harass journalists, silence private citizens, and suppress dissent,” adding that if the government is serious about ensuring journalists’ safety, “they should scrap Peca and the NCCIA and begin a genuine consultation process to draft legislation that truly addresses journalists’ concerns.”

PPF reiterates that attacks on journalists—whether physical, digital, or AI-driven—are attacks on press freedom, and ensuring the safety and independence of media workers is essential for a democratic and informed society.