Islamabad, Senator Farhatullah Babar, President of the Human Rights Cell of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has voiced serious concerns over the damaging impact of arbitrary internet shutdowns and the propagation of state-controlled narratives under the guise of combating fake news.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party, speaking at a Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) seminar on the right to freedom of online expression, Senator Babar addressed the profound political and social repercussions these shutdowns have on society. He cited the internet blackout on February 8 as a contributing factor to widespread beliefs of election manipulation, which led to a significant political crisis in the country.
Senator Babar referenced instances of economic disruption, banking paralysis, and educational interruptions due to internet shutdowns aimed at stifling political opposition. He emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach, involving political parties, media, and civil society, to tackle the issues of fake news and restrictive measures on information access.
Highlighting past events, Babar noted instances where state elements were suspected of disseminating false information, such as the placement of fake Wikileaks documents in national newspapers and a network of inauthentic Facebook pages linked to official employees. These occurrences have raised questions about who is behind such actions and the intent to discredit politicians and public figures.
Moreover, Babar pointed out that journalists and activists who criticize state policies are often subjected to coercive legal actions, particularly under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). He argued that while fake news is a significant concern that must be addressed, it is equally important to remain vigilant against disinformation originating from state sources.
The senator concluded with a call to action for the Parliament to fulfill its promises of judicial inquiries into incidents that have contributed to the current political instability, urging lawmakers to uphold their commitment to addressing these crucial issues.