The recent D-Chowk incident serves as a prime example of the destructive power of fake news. While it is essential to ensure the freedom of expression, this does not mean that the overwhelming tide of fake news should go unchecked.
The hydra-headed monster of Fake news has eviscerated the social fabric. This pandemic can potentially shake the very foundation of society and the state. The question is: Are the media, society and the state fully aware of the gravity of this situation?
The PTI’s acumen in crafting misleading narratives is indeed alarming. Its skill in spinning deceptive tales is truly troubling. On one hand, a senior PTI leader claims that 278 workers have been killed at D Choke, while on the other hand; AI-generated images of D Choke overflowing with blood are being circulated by the party’s cyber troops and sympathizers. It is a true manifestation of the quote: “A lie travels around the globe while the truth is still putting on its shoes.”
PTI’s politics, unfortunately, relies on a post-truth gimmick. Facts have lost their value, and self-created perceptions prevail over reality. It completely disregards the importance of truth and instead focuses on appealing to emotions for political gain. This is how the cult operates: it focuses on emotions rather than performance. As Imran Khan himself has explained, “it is about playing mind game and I am the master of this mind game”.
The strategy has been to inflame public emotions by spreading a false narrative that marchers have been butchered in large numbers at D-Chowk.
The post-truth narrative requires no corroboration or evidence; it is simply a mind game. You can express whatever you want, and cyber troops will work to implant those ideas in people’s minds as if they were the only truth.
It reminds me of a report by Professor Philip Howard, the Director of the Oxford Internet Institute at the University of Oxford. The report, titled “The Global Disinformation Order”, claims that Pakistan is one of the countries where “cyber troops” have been employed to enhance foreign influence and interference through platforms like Facebook and Twitter (X).
Regrettably, we have not yet engaged in a discussion about the Global Disinformation Order or gained a comprehensive understanding of the rise of “Cyber Troops” posing as communication partners. Up until now, the Global Disinformation Order and its cyber forces have simply been labeled as “freedom of opinion” and “expression.” We have not yet recognized that social media has been weaponized. A report from the Oxford Internet Institute indicates that social media manipulation is occurring around the world, with evidence identified in 56 countries, including Pakistan.
What is social media manipulation? It refers to the use of lies and propaganda on social media to create an environment that facilitates the arm twisting of that country. A nation’s image can be tarnished under various pretenses, often leading to calls for foreign intervention on the grounds of human rights violations. This manipulation can compromise a country’s independence and lead to internal instability by spreading falsehoods. The Arab Spring marked the beginning of this trend, but its ultimate outcome remains uncertain.
Professor Philip Howard notes that various political parties have begun efforts to control public opinion through social media campaigns. He points out that while such influence used to be exerted primarily through traditional media, the rise of social media has intensified the challenge for many countries.
Strict legislation is essential. Article 19 of the Constitution should be adhered to in both letter and spirit. It is important to remember that while this article guarantees the freedom of expression, it also imposes certain restrictions on that freedom. This freedom is not absolute; it has specific parameters. In summary, this freedom is subject to restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam, the integrity, security, or defense of Pakistan or any part thereof, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency, morality, and issues related to contempt of court or the incitement to commit an offense.
Welcoming differing opinions is important, but we must protect the truth at all costs. Distorting facts gain leads to significant harm, often more disruptive than a bull in a china shop. Recent events have shown us the consequences of misinformation, such as the riots triggered by a rape incident that never took place. We cannot let falsehoods dictate our actions and attitudes. PTI must step away from the quicksand of post-truth, and the sooner the better.
The writer is a lawyer and author based in Islamabad. He tweets @m_asifmahmood.