Islamabad (Staff Reporter):
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Tarar has described misinformation as the biggest challenge in today’s world. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the National Cyber Security program in Islamabad, he highlighted the need for raising awareness about cybersecurity.
The minister criticized linking the Sydney attacker to Pakistan without any evidence, calling it a misuse of information. He stressed that Pakistan has faced attempts to be implicated in the Sydney incident, followed by the spread of fake news, emphasizing that misinformation remains a critical threat globally.
Atta Tarar said that active cyber security centers are in place to counter cyberattacks and that the National Cyber Security Policy is being strengthened for greater effectiveness. Measures have been taken to safeguard data, and public awareness and training are crucial to prevent cyberattacks and data leaks. A nationwide awareness campaign on cybersecurity will be launched to educate citizens.
He also mentioned that several fake social media accounts were identified during actions against cybercrime. Highlighting the responsible use of social media, he said artificial intelligence is often misused to link individuals with fake news.
The minister further stated that workshops and training programs are being organized for journalists and media personnel to prevent the spread of digital misinformation and to ensure responsible reporting in the digital era.