Interior Minister slams spreading of fake news
Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal said social media will be used to destabilise Pakistan in election year
January 26, 2018
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Friday termed the fake story about the main accused in the Zainab case having bank accounts as “another proof of how social media is used for disruption.”
Speaking to reporters here, the interior minister said that after the accused in Kasur had been caught, a false story was spread on social media, the media followed suit and the Punjab government had to respond when it was taken up by the apex court. “This proves how big a tool social media is. It’s a fifth-generation warfare tool,” Iqbal stressed.
Iqbal called upon the media to act responsibly and verify news as there were attempts to cause disruption and chaos through social media.
“We found that the story floated by an anchor which was also taken up by the Supreme Court…it was all fabricated with the intention to defame the government and cause sensationalism. We should be cautious of such stories and not to believe them without verification and be vigilant about such people who spread such fabricated news.”
According to Iqbal social media would be used as a tool to destabilise the country during elections.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court was informed by a television show host that the suspect in the brutal murder of seven-year-old Zainab and other girls, Imran, has over three dozen bank accounts and is part of a criminal group involving members of the government.
Imran seeks extended caretaker setup: Iqbal
Responding to the ruling party's political opponent Imran Khan's repeated demands for early elections, Iqbal said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief does not seek early elections but desires a long-term caretaker government.
The minister said there is no question of elections before July as the voters' list and delimitation of constituencies is not possible before then.
He added that elections before July are thus impossible and expose Imran's true intentions [of pushing undemocratic moves].
'No need to get emotional on visas' issue'
Referring to the recent spate with his predecessor and disgruntled party member Chaudhry Nisar, Iqbal said there is no need to get emotional on the issue of granting group visas to tourists from select countries.
A decision in this regard was taken by Iqbal's ministry recently but came under criticism in the National Assembly this week for being a security hazard.
"We have to balance our objectives, both security and investment have to go side by side," he said, adding that Pakistan's competition is not with developed countries as "we need them more than they need us".
He said developing countries all over the world facilitate tourists, adding that it is easy to say there should be reciprocal visa regimes but the developed world can live without Pakistan.
"We have to attract the world towards Pakistan," said Iqbal, who also holds the portfolio of the planning and development ministry.
Responding to a question, Iqbal said "we’re not changing Nisar’s policies, only rationalising them. The government’s job is to facilitate people, not create more hurdles for them".
'All INGOs not country's enemies'
Talking about Nisar's critique of Iqbal's decision to allow international non-governmental organisations (INGO) to operate until a final decision on their registration, the minister said not all INGOs are enemies of the country and bringing in spies.
"INGOs are of two kinds: some pose security risks and those will not be allowed to operate in Pakistan while others, that do genuine work, should not be refrained from working in the country," said Iqbal.
Giving the example of the Aga Khan Foundation, he said the work of this reputable INGO was also halted.
'China invested in Pak when no one else was'
In response to a question that crime has increased in the country after the entry of Chinese nationals, Iqbal, who has spearheaded the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor talks, said a deliberate campaign is under way to create negativity about China,
"China invested here when no one else was willing to come to Pakistan," he added.
The minister also condemned the recent US drone attack in Pakistan, calling it an attack on the country's sovereignty.
