Pakistan

Fake News – A subtle Reality

Published

6 years ago

April 2, 2020

‘ExxonMobil close to hitting huge oil reserves in Pakistan, bigger than Kuwait’s,’ was something that kept the Pakistani social media users excited for a few days before the mammoth discovery turned out to be another fake news, a few years back.

With the advent of electronic media and an ever-speedy social media, the menace of fake news is posing a threat to the credibility of all mediums of media and the hazards increase many folds for a society like Pakistan, with a literacy rate hovering around 58 percent.

At one end, the culture of fake news is inflicting damage on the journalism industry, on the other end, it also serves the purpose of political forces because ‘fakeness’ has become a new alternative to performance and a tool employed to overpower the rivals.

The Birth

Though propaganda and dissemination of incorrect news against the rivals by corporate firms are in place from the decade, fake news is relatively a new phenomena and it is conjoined with the rise of social media and penetration of internet across the globe.

The term fake news was not in use to that extent just two years back, however, it made headlines across the digital media when the real estate tycoon Donald J Trump was ascending the political ladder.

It was Buzzfeed’s media editor, Craig Silverman, who first found a slew of websites promoting fake content originating from Eastern European town called Veles in mid 2016s.

Interestingly, the fake news term was coined at the same time and it has a special link with Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, because most of the fakery supported him, though he opts the same term for media bashing now.

“Pope Francis Shocks World, Endorses Donald Trump for President” and “FBI Agent Suspected in Hillary Email Leaks Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide” were some of the headlines that lured in Americans and paved the way for Trump’s victory over a period of few months before November 2016.

Some of the pro-Trump groups also shared such news to portray the Republican in a favorable light and Hillary otherwise, however, the same US leader has virtually declared war on fake news now.

The US leader took a strong exception to the epidemic of factually incorrect news and tweeted ‘THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR,’as 2018 dawned;45th president actually announced the names, with the in rush crashing the GOP website.

But fake news is not just limited to political arenas; it is deep-rooted in social media algorithms, advertising systems, and marketing, with the propagandists minting a lot of money.

The science behind the promotion of fake news is simple maths. The web developers design a simple web portal (basically news related), hire a few sub-editors or do it on their own, cogitate what’s hot in town, design news and post it on Facebook and other social media platforms. As the headline is catchy, shocking and surprising, the social media buffs rally behind each other to visit the page and here comes the magic.

As many and many users visit the website, so does its ratings go ballistic, with an increased share in advertisement revenues. Even if the users sense the authenticity of the story, they have already been deceived, leaving them high and dry to simply spew venom against the admin or leave a few snared comments.

Popular Fake News

One of the most recent fake news was about the former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf donating Rs 460 million to the fund initiated for the relief activities in the aftermath of the Corona outbreak.

Another fake news on the global sphere was regarding the Oil-rich Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and it was about the assassination of Crown Prince, Muhammad bin Salman (MBS), who, according to the news carried by Russian and Iranian media outlets, was gunned down in March 2018.

MBS has been subjected to fake news for a couple of times as a photo purporting him as dead, with King Salman among the pallbearers, was uploaded on the internet, stirring concerns in the Arab world.

Investigations have revealed that these stories were not truthful and were just to stir suspense and chaos.

What Stats Say

The rise of fake news is vividly observed in charts and datasheets devised by digital marketers and social media advocacy groups.

The crime category topped the list in 2017 followed by politics when it comes to the number of fake stories published on the internet, says a study by Buzzfeed.

The 2018 Edelman Trust Barometer delved further into the impacts of fake news and how people perceive it. As per the survey, Fifty-nine percent of people said they were unsure what they see in the media is true and what isn’t, while nearly seven in 10 said they worry about fake news being used as “a weapon.”

Is Pakistan Prone?

The scourge of fake news is plaguing West at a much rapid pace but Pakistani social media users are also being misguidedly gripped by the epidemic.

With the advent of election season, political forces used the Fake news tool and traded barbs with their foes, however, even after the conclusion of practice, there seems no end to it.

What exacerbates the misery is the fact that now mainstream TV shows are vulnerable to fake news and flash factually incorrect content on their screens.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader AamirLiaquat rebelled against his party over political grievances.

One of his statements ‘I won the elections on my own instead of Imran Khan’s [clout]’ stumped the internet and even invited comments from his fellows, however, the statement was not rooted in truth, though it was displayed by a mainstream TV channel.

When Imran Khan swept to power on a populist anti-corruption wave in the country, a mainstream news channel reported that the Saudi government has welcomed Imran Khan’s victory by displaying his image on the Kingdom Tower in Riyadh, in a flagrant contradiction with the truth.

During the times of Coronavirus we are listening to multiple fake news, one of which is Pakistani Premier Imran Khan being tested positive for the virus; this was aired in the form of a ticker by a foreign media outlet.

The list goes on…

Experts believe that the fake news syndrome is engulfing the credibility of media outlets.

Ali Raza, a renowned face in digital marketing dishes in on the matter as ‘fake news will ruin site credibility in the long run which will have serious consequences on blog authority, search and social traffic and its credibility among visitors.’

Fighting fakeness

Even though it might seem difficult, fake news can be debunked on a personal level, without having to move an inch away from the laptop and a working internet connection.

Firstly to check the authenticity of any image, upload it on Google image and a reverse search will display a couple of results. Sometimes the picture is not photo-shopped, but the caption is faulty. Google reverse image search would tell you the truth.

Fake news about renowned personalities can be checked by going through the official accounts of individuals in question. As fake news go viral about politicians and celebrities, they themselves issue clarifications through their verified pages.

Moreover, twitter can be exciting for debunking fake news. A simple Google search style search in the micro-blogging site would display results with comments by renowned Twitterati, with many of them separating the fact from the myth.

What Lies Ahead

Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms are in the hunt for propaganda websites and to debunk the fake news syndrome, however, the drive would take a few more years to be fully in place.

The best methodology to combat fake news lies under the keyboard of the reader, a bone for simple investigation can distill myths from actual happenings.

A thumb rule for fighting fake news is to develop an understanding that every “overexciting” news, be it relates to politics or art or culture or virtually to any other genre, is not true.

What needs to be done on the mega level is to develop a comprehensive strategy to deal with the challenge, before any catastrophe happens on mass level owing to the same culture that has sensitized people on multiple occasions.

Fake news, has up till now, damaged merely the credibility of digital platforms but the bigger question is that are we waiting for the culture to cause physical damage and engulf humans?

Article by: Syeda Mariya Bukhari

The author is an MPhil scholar with a keen interest in sociology, psychology, literature, and arts.

Pakistan

How to get Sindh motorcyclists’ Rs2000 subsidy on petrol

Published

2 weeks ago

April 4, 2026

Haris Sarfraz Ali

KARACHI – Motorcycle owners will be required to register through the Excise Department’s digital application by providing their CNIC and bank account details. Authorities have also allowed a 15-day window for citizens to transfer ownership of motorcycles into their own names in order to qualify

According to the government, payments will be made directly to verified bank accounts of eligible owners between April 15 and April 20, with each beneficiary receiving Rs2,000 per motorcycle. The initiative is aimed at providing short-term relief to commuters amid rising fuel costs, officials said.

Earlier, Sindh government announced a petrol subsidy of Rs2,000 for registered motorcycle owners, citing rising fuel costs and their impact on daily commuters. The move follows a sharp increase in fuel prices across the country, with petrol rising to Rs458.41 per litre and high-speed diesel to Rs520.35, significantly increasing transportation expenses.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said motorcyclists were among the most affected groups amid escalating global oil prices, which he linked to geopolitical tensions, including the US-Israel war on Iran.

Addressing a press conference, he noted that Sindh has approximately 6.7 million registered motorcycles, underlining the scale of the initiative. The chief minister said the subsidy would be provided through a structured registration and verification process to ensure transparency.

Business

CBD Pulse emerges as Punjab’s strongest signal to global investors

Published

3 weeks ago

April 1, 2026

Haris Sarfraz Ali

LAHORE – In today’s competitive global economy, where investors favour stability, growth potential, and quick returns, Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab) emphasises this message through CBD Pulse: Punjab is prepared for investment, and the moment to invest is now.

CBD Pulse is not just another promotional campaign; it is a strategic investment signal aimed at attracting serious investors, visionary developers and international partners. It reflects real momentum driven by execution and showcases a pipeline of high-value urban assets positioned to generate strong, long-term returns.

At a time when investors prioritize transparency and stability, CBD Punjab distinguishes itself through structured planning, regulatory clarity and rapid on-ground development. CBD Pulse brings this ecosystem into focus, highlighting premium commercial districts, high-yield real estate opportunities and modern infrastructure built to meet global standards.

What sets CBD Pulse apart is simple it is grounded in visible progress, not future promises. From accelerated development across key corridors to the rollout of strategically located projects, CBD Punjab is turning ambition into tangible results. The approach is clear prioritize speed, ensure delivery and maximize value creation.

For institutional investors, developers and strategic stakeholders, CBD Pulse offers a compelling advantage early entry into a rapidly growing urban market. With Pakistan’s urban expansion accelerating and demand for organized commercial infrastructure increasing, CBD Punjab is uniquely positioned to capture this growth at scale.

The initiative also reflects a strong pro-investment environment, backed by government support, streamlined procedures and investor-focused policies. These elements reduce barriers to entry while strengthening investor confidence an essential factor for both local and international participants.

CBD Pulse is designed to keep investors informed and engaged. Through regular updates, data-driven insights and direct communication channels, it ensures decision-makers have timely access to critical information. In fast-moving markets, timing and access are everything and CBD Pulse delivers both.

More than just infrastructure, CBD Pulse represents a shift in perception. It positions Punjab as a credible, competitive investment destination on the global stage. The objective is clear: attract capital, enable growth, and deliver measurable outcomes.

For those looking to invest in the future of urban Pakistan, the opportunity is open but not indefinitely. Early movers are best positioned to benefit as CBD Punjab continues to expand and unlock new value. CBD Pulse is more than an initiative it is a call to action. The investments made today will shape the skyline of tomorrow.

Pakistan

Beyond the Aurat March: What Feminism Really Means!

Published

2 months ago

March 4, 2026

Haris Sarfraz Ali

LAHORE – When we hear the word feminism, what usually comes to mind? Rights, independence, equality? At its core, feminism is meant to stand for fairness and justice, yet in our society, the term has often been misunderstood, misused, or even exploited. Broadly speaking, there are two types of women who call themselves feminists. The first group genuinely strives for equality in their professional roles, personal lives, and societal standing.

For them, feminism is about demanding respect and recognition, not superiority. The second group, however, uses feminism in the wrong way. For them, calling themselves feminist has become trendy or “cool.” They use it as a shield to justify going off track, behaving disrespectfully, or unfairly targeting men. To these women, hating men equals feminism, which is far from its true meaning.

This misuse creates injustice for men, who sometimes become victims when faced with such distorted versions of feminism.The problem arises when feminism is twisted into a tool for privilege rather than equality.

For some, it becomes a reason to demand advantages without responsibility, a trend to bash men while ignoring the challenges men face such as mental health struggles, financial pressures, or societal expectations, and even a justification for rudeness and disrespect disguised as empowerment. This distorted narrative not only damages men but also misguides younger generations, especially through social media, where radicalized voices dominate and influence perceptions.
Every year, events like the Aurat March become controversial. While raising voices for rights and justice is never wrong, many banners, slogans, and behaviors displayed during such events do not resonate with our cultural and religious values.

We live in an Islamic state where modesty is emphasized, and our youth are increasingly influenced by the wrong portrayal of feminism, confusing rebellion with empowerment. It is crucial to remember that Islam grants women immense respect and rights, but within defined boundaries. Women are encouraged to cover themselves, care for their families, and maintain dignity in society. At the same time, Islam elevates women by granting them inheritance rights, the right to education, respect as mothers, and recognition as equal partners in society. True equity lies in following this balance: rights with responsibilities, freedom with respect, and equality with values.
The debate over feminism, however, is not confined to Pakistan; it is global. According to IPSOS, 32% of men worldwide believe feminism does more harm than good, and 20% of women share this view. A King’s College London survey found that 16% of Gen Z men (ages 16–29) consider feminism harmful, higher than the 13% of men over 60 who feel the same. Globally, men are more likely than women to believe feminism has caused men to lose economic, social, or political power. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), nearly 50% of posts about feminism are negative, and anti-feminist accounts often use insults and stereotypes three times more frequently than feminist accounts.

Even corporations have commodified feminism, using slogans like “The Future is Female” to market products. This selective adoption of feminist language reinforces stereotypes rather than addressing real issues of gender equality.
The essence of feminism is not about hating men, seeking privileges, or promoting disrespect. It is about equity, justice, and opportunity for all, values already embedded in Islam and universally acknowledged human rights. If feminism is to achieve its true purpose, it must be reclaimed from misuse, distortion, and commercialization. Only then can it inspire a healthier society where both men and women coexist with dignity, fairness, and respect.