Global Fake News Watchdog released its investigative report in which it was stated that the spreading of fake news was at its peak worldwide during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.
The report revealed that during the PTI protest, baseless news was spread to defame Pakistan worldwide. The report stated that some news spread without any verification only to harm Pakistan.
One fake statement of the interior minister regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir was also spread on social media, and fake video messages were aired while some fake news about Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi were spread.
The report said that fake news about reaching hundreds of dead bodies to PIMS and Polyclinic Islamabad was spread wilfully.
Fake news about Asad Qaiser being appointed as Chairman of PTI was also spread.
Fake news about the operation of the forge account by Suleman Esa Khan, son of Imran Khan, was spread, while the shifting of the founder of PTI, Imran Khan, from Adiyala Jail and 600 resignations of Army personnel from different academies were also highlighted.
Fake news about firing on Asad Qaiser and Mehmood Khan Achakzai was highlighted. An old picture of DPO Dr Ghiyas Gul was shown during the PTI protest.
A fake picture showing a man falling from a container while offering Namaz Janaza was also spread. Later reports of talks between PTI’s falling worker and CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur were also highlighted.
The fake news caused huge damage to state institutions but also to the leadership of PTI. The incumbent government, state institutions, and political parties become victims of the fake news.
The global fake news watchdog also urged the government to take measures to curb spreading fake news.
Reporter: Tayyab Saif