LAHORE – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued a stern warning to those spreading fake news and propaganda on social media from abroad, hinting that all those who are doing this in foreign land would be brought back to Pakistan to face justice.
“Efforts are underway, and anyone involved in spreading fake news will face justice while those who are doing this in abroad will be brought back to Pakistan,” said Mohsin Naqvi while addressing a press conference in Lahore on Monday.
The interior minister stressed that while freedom of speech and press is important, the majority of the content circulating on social media in Pakistan right now is false. “I believe in freedom of expression, but 90 percent of what is being shared on social media is fake,” he remarked, adding that Pakistan could not tolerate this situation.
The minister emphasized that professional journalists and media organizations, with proper editorial oversight, are encouraged to report based on credible evidence. “Journalists are professionals and should be allowed to do their work,” Naqvi said. However, he issued a warning that a strict crackdown would be launched against individuals spreading baseless information that damages the state, and those responsible would be held accountable. “Both vlogs and news should be backed by solid evidence,” he stressed.
Naqvi pointed out that while TV channels are held accountable when something inaccurate is broadcast, social media lacks such checks, and unfortunately, many individuals are spreading unfounded accusations against state authorities without evidence.
Responding to questions about the controversy surrounding ‘a high-profile notification’, Naqvi urged people to let the matter unfold. “The truth will be revealed soon,” he said, wearing a smile on his face.
On the issue of offloading passengers from flights, Naqvi addressed the spread of misinformation on social media, clarifying that only passengers with incomplete or improper documents are being offloaded. He shared a personal experience from a visit to Islamabad airport, where he observed a man attempting to fly to Saudi Arabia for a driving job without a driving license or any knowledge of how to drive.
Naqvi also responded to a student’s complaint about being offloaded despite having the correct visa and documents to study in Georgia. After investigating, it was found that the student had obtained his visa for Georgia in Iran, without having been there for the stated purpose.
“Such cases indicate a larger network of agent mafias,” Naqvi said, adding that fake news about offloading is being spread by these groups.
The interior minister revealed that between 50 and 60 people are offloaded daily across the country but reassured the public that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is closely monitoring the situation.
“No one with legitimate documents is being offloaded,” he clarified. He further explained that these measures aim to improve Pakistan’s passport ranking and protect the country’s international image. “When people with fake documents travel abroad, it harms Pakistan’s reputation,” Naqvi said, stressing the goal of creating more opportunities for Pakistanis abroad.
On the issue of Afghan nationals living illegally in Pakistan, Naqvi called on them to leave immediately. He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found residing illegally in the country. “We have repatriated many Afghan nationals, but the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) government is still sheltering them,” he said, noting that refugee camps in the region had been officially de-notified, but were still operational.
Naqvi emphasized that the KPK government must comply with federal directives. He also highlighted that some Afghan nationals had been linked to recent terrorist attacks in the country. “All Station House Officers (SHOs) have been instructed to assist in the repatriation of Afghan citizens living illegally in Pakistan,” he added. Naqvi said the task has been assigned to the Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs), who are collecting data and taking action. “This is a matter of national security,” he added.
