Cyber Security, Fake News, and Misinformation Pose Major Challenges, Says Attaullah Tarar

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday said Pakistan is further strengthening its National Cyber Security Policy to ensure robust data protection and effectively counter growing cyber threats.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the National Cyber Security Conference, the Information Minister stated that concrete measures have been taken to reinforce the country’s cybersecurity framework, with a particular focus on safeguarding sensitive data. He noted that National Cyber Security Centers are fully operational and actively engaged in monitoring and responding to cyberattacks.

Tarar stressed that public awareness and professional training are critical in preventing cyber incidents, adding that cybersecurity is no longer a purely technical issue but a national responsibility. He revealed that multiple illegal networks had been exposed during recent crackdowns on cybercrime, along with the identification of numerous fake social media accounts involved in spreading disinformation.

Referring to global trends, the minister said world leaders at the World Economic Forum had identified misinformation as one of the most serious challenges facing societies today. He cited the Sydney incident as an example, noting that fake news spread rapidly across social media platforms in its aftermath.

The information minister said Pakistan has long been a victim of terrorism and expressed concern over attempts to link the Sydney attacker to Pakistan without any evidence or verification. Such narratives, he said, reflect the dangers posed by unchecked misinformation and underline the need for responsible reporting and stronger digital governance.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing cyber resilience, countering disinformation, and building a secure and trustworthy digital ecosystem in line with international best practices.

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