In Pakistan today, the most contested space is no longer political rallies or television studios.
It is the digital sphere, where narratives are shaped, reputations are made or destroyed and public sentiment can swing dramatically within minutes. Social media, once celebrated for expanding democratic participation, is now increasingly viewed as a force capable of unsettling institutions, deepening divisions and distorting public discourse. The Misinformation Epidemic: The most pressing challenge is the unrestrained flow of misinformation. False claims, edited videos and sensational rumours can gain extraordinary traction before any verification is possible. In a country where institutional trust remains fragile, such content has real-world consequences: panic in financial markets, unwarranted anger against state bodies, or mob reactions triggered by wholly fabricated stories. The speed and scale of this distortion make traditional fact-checking mechanisms appear painfully slow.
Social media platforms thrive on engagement algorithms that favour outrage. The result is a deeply polarized online landscape where differing political or social views trigger hostility rather than healthy debate. What could have been a space for informed dialogue has devolved into parallel echo chambers, each convinced of its exclusive hold on truth. This erosion of shared realities poses a serious challenge for democratic functioning and consensus-building. Digital Harassment and Vulnerability: Beyond political noise, many Pakistanis—especially women—face persistent digital harassment. Blackmail, doxxing and the circulation of doctored images have become common tools of intimidation. While legal remedies exist, access remains uneven and reporting mechanisms slow. Victims often hesitate to come forward due to stigma or fears of further exposure. The psychological toll is severe, affecting careers, mobility and participation in public life.
Social Media as a Tool of Hybrid Warfare: The digital landscape has also expanded the theatre of hybrid warfare. Coordinated disinformation campaigns, often amplified by bot networks, target Pakistan’s institutions, foreign policy positions and socio-economic vulnerabilities. Disruptive narratives around the economy, security operations, or political transitions can undermine public confidence and fuel instability. In this environment, social media becomes not merely a communication platform but a strategic tool for influence operations. The situation, however, is not beyond remedy. What is required is a coherent, long-term response rather than ad hoc measures.
Building a Strong Digital Framework: First, Pakistan needs a modern, transparent and rights-respecting digital governance framework. Instead of reactive bans or patchwork policies, a consolidated Digital Safety Act—crafted through parliamentary debate and public consultation—could set out clear principles on misinformation, platform accountability, user rights and data protection. Second, digital literacy must be treated as a civic necessity. Schools, universities and community institutions should incorporate media literacy, fact-checking skills and online ethics into their curricula. A society better equipped to recognize manipulation will be less vulnerable to it.
Third, cybercrime institutions must be strengthened. The FIA and provincial cyber units require specialized training, updated equipment, women-led reporting cells and faster complaint redressal, as their credibility depends on swift and impartial action. Fourth, international tech companies must be engaged more assertively, maintaining compliance offices, processing complaints in local languages and publishing transparency reports to ensure meaningful cooperation for a population of over 240 million users. Finally, society itself—including political leaders, journalists, educators and influencers—must reflect, counter sensationalism, promote verification and resist digital mob-making, recognizing that ethical online behaviour cannot be legislated but must be cultivated. The Rise of Cyber Scams: Cyber crimes based on deception and fear are rapidly increasing across the country. Citizens are being targeted through fake phone calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages claiming Benazir Income Support prizes, parcel deliveries, or even false kidnapping threats involving family members. These criminals exploit panic and urgency to steal money, personal information, CNIC numbers and one-time passwords (OTPs). The public is strongly advised to remain calm, avoid sharing any personal or financial details and verify all such claims through official channels. Government departments and courier companies do not offer prizes or request sensitive information via phone calls. In case of suspicious activity, citizens should immediately block the number and report the incident to the FIA Cyber Crime Wing or relevant authorities. Public awareness and cautious behaviour remain the strongest defence against cyber fraud.
Public Awareness – Cyber Scam Warning: Citizens should be alert to fake Benazir Income Support prize calls, fake parcel delivery notifications and false kidnapping or custody threats. Do not share your CNIC number or photo, OTP, bank details, or home address. Always remember that the government never gives prizes by phone, courier companies never ask for OTPs and panic or urgency are signs of a scam. If you receive a suspicious call, stay calm, hang up, verify the information independently, inform your family and report the incident to the FIA Cyber Crime Wing. The Choice Ahead: Social media remains a transformative force. It connects communities, amplifies marginalized voices and offers unprecedented access to information. Yet its unchecked misuse has placed Pakistan at a delicate juncture. The choice before us is stark: continue down a path where digital chaos dictates public life or build a thoughtful, democratic framework that harnesses technology for the collective good. Pakistan may be under digital siege, but the means to reclaim the space lie well within reach. What is needed now is clarity, consensus and the political will to act.
—The writer is Adviser Media, Federal Tax Ombudsman, Pakistan.
