Calls for proactive strategy against disinformation
Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that disinformation and negative narratives could not be countered merely through a reactive approach, stressing the need for a timely, fact-based, coordinated and proactive strategy.
She was chairing the fourth meeting of the Information Steering/Review Committee on Saturday to review implementation of the revised National Action Plan in Punjab, progress made so far and the future course of action. Information Secretary Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani briefed the meeting on progress and measures taken in light of decisions of the previous meeting. The meeting reviewed steps to strengthen inter-departmental coordination, ensure responsible dissemination of information and timely counter misleading narratives, besides measures against disinformation, hate content, negative propaganda and anti-state narratives.
The minister directed all relevant departments to work under a joint strategy with mutual coordination and complete harmony. She said the Information and Culture Department had played an effective and proactive role in achieving the objectives of the National Action Plan.
Moreover, Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has strongly condemned derogatory remarks and behaviour by certain Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) figures, saying that describing such people as Pashtuns amounts to insulting the entire Pashtun community.
In a statement on Saturday, the minister said, “These are dirty, despicable savages and, unfortunately, they have been imposed on the Pashtuns.” She said such individuals could not represent the Pashtun community and criticised their conduct during their visits to Lahore.
Azma Bokhari said she had previously stated that people who came to Lahore and used abusive and indecent language could not be regarded as Pashtuns, adding that their conduct reflected savagery rather than the values of the Pashtun community.
She further said, “Thank you for repeatedly proving me right. Do not insult the Pashtuns by calling yourselves Pashtuns.”
