Pakistan blocks 86,000 SIMs in crackdown on anti-state activities and fake news
The government of Pakistan has blocked 86,000 SIM cards linked to anti-state activities, Parliamentary Secretary Sajid Mehdi informed the National Assembly on Wednesday. Addressing concerns raised by lawmaker Asiya Naz Tanoli over the spread of fake news on social media, Mehdi outlined the measures taken to curb misinformation and enhance regulations.
Mehdi confirmed that access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) had been restricted in the country as part of efforts to combat the dissemination of fake news. Additionally, restrictions on VPN usage have been imposed to control the flow of misinformation online.
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To further address the issue, the government is planning amendments to the Electronic Crimes Act to bolster regulations against fake news. A task force has been established under the Prime Minister’s directive to tackle misinformation, and awareness campaigns are being extended to educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and schools.
While acknowledging the challenges of combating fake news, Mehdi noted that proactive measures against misinformation remain a global issue. “Globally, fake news is not given as much importance, and there is greater freedom of expression,” he said, contrasting Pakistan’s stricter approach with international norms.
Despite these difficulties, Mehdi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of fake news and ensuring that anti-state activities are curtailed.
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