On August 7, President Asif Ali Zardari called for a united effort to curb the spread of fake news and disinformation in Pakistan, urging both media outlets and the general public to uphold the integrity of information. During a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Zardari stressed that the unregulated dissemination of false information could severely undermine national security and erode public trust.

The President emphasized that in the digital age, the rapid spread of fake news has become a pressing issue, with significant implications for social stability. He called on the media to adopt stringent ethical standards and ensure the accuracy of the information they broadcast. Additionally, President Zardari encouraged the public to exercise caution and responsibility when consuming and sharing news.

In a detailed briefing, the Chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) informed the President about PEMRA’s ongoing efforts to regulate the media landscape and counter the spread of disinformation.

The Chairman outlined the authority’s initiatives to modernize its operations by integrating advanced tools and technologies, as well as developing a skilled workforce to better manage the challenges posed by the digital media environment.

President Zardari underscored the importance of enhancing PEMRA’s capacity to address these issues effectively. He reaffirmed the government’s support for initiatives aimed at fostering a free yet responsible media environment, with a focus on promoting accurate information and raising awareness about key socio-economic issues.