Islamabad, January 3, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged on Friday to address the growing menace of misinformation and fake news on social media, calling it a critical step toward eradicating terrorism and extremism in the country.
“On the digital front, venom against Pakistan is being spread by certain external elements via social media, using distorted facts and twisted realities,” the prime minister said while presiding over the Apex Committee meeting of the National Action Plan.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, key federal cabinet members, provincial chief ministers, Chief of Army Staff, and other senior officials.
PM Shehbaz highlighted how misinformation campaigns on social media were damaging the country’s image by manipulating facts. He cited an incident involving the spread of fake news about the martyrdom of Rangers personnel on November 26, emphasizing the critical need to counter such disinformation effectively.
“If we fail to confront this challenge, our efforts to eliminate terrorism and extremism will be in vain,” he warned, expressing confidence in the government’s ability to overcome these issues.
He also commended the armed forces for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and vowed that Pakistan’s pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity would continue unabated.
On this occasion, the prime minister congratulated the nation on Pakistan’s assumption of a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the eighth time.
Shehbaz Sharif underscored that some extremist elements, referred to as Fitna Al-Khawarij, were attempting to disrupt peace in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He stressed that achieving peace and stability was essential for the country’s socio-economic progress and prosperity.
During the previous day’s meeting, the agenda of national development was discussed, and it was unanimously agreed that sustainable economic growth would only be possible with lasting peace and security.
The prime minister called for a joint effort by the federal government, provincial authorities, and all relevant stakeholders, in coordination with Pakistan’s security forces, to formulate a comprehensive strategy to root out extremism. He vowed that with unity of purpose and coordinated action, the government would fully implement such plans to meet the country’s pressing challenges.
