Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, issued a stern warning on Monday regarding the dissemination of false information across social media platforms, indicating that the government is preparing to undertake a “massive-scale crackdown” to curb the spread of fake news. Addressing reporters in Islamabad, Naqvi emphasized that podcasters, vloggers, journalists, and all content creators must exercise caution and responsibility while reporting news, stressing that misinformation can create panic and destabilize public order. He underlined that the authorities would no longer tolerate the circulation of fabricated stories that mislead citizens and disrupt social harmony.
In recent months, the Pakistani government has intensified its measures to tackle the issue of fake news and online disinformation. Earlier this year, the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) was formally established to investigate cybercrimes and prosecute offenders nationwide. The government had already strengthened the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) through amendments introduced in January, aimed at addressing online harassment, hacking, data breaches, and other cyber-related offenses.
Officials argue that these initiatives are essential to safeguard citizens and maintain law and order in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. According to Naqvi, the objective is not to suppress legitimate journalism but to ensure that information shared publicly is accurate and accountable.
During his briefing, Naqvi clarified that the government supports responsible reporting and considers those who adhere to professional standards, verify facts, and comply with organizational checks—including the oversight of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)—as genuine journalists.
“Those who spread fake news are not journalists in our view,” he stated. He urged all media creators, including vloggers and podcasters, to ensure that the content they circulate is fact-checked and responsible. He warned that the daily spread of false stories that incite fear among the public cannot continue unchecked, and those responsible will be held accountable.
The minister also used the press conference to discuss the government’s ongoing repatriation drive against illegal Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan. Naqvi revealed that between September 17, 2024, and March 31, 2025, around 469,000 Afghan nationals had been deported through the Torkham border in northwestern Pakistan.
This initiative, which began in 2023 following a series of suicide attacks attributed to Afghan nationals by Pakistani authorities, has been a key component of the government’s efforts to maintain internal security. State media reported that since the beginning of the campaign, more than 1.5 million Afghan nationals have been repatriated, highlighting the scale and intensity of the operation.
Naqvi praised the execution of the repatriation drive in the southern and central provinces of Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab, describing it as highly successful. However, he expressed concern over the implementation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), which shares a border with Afghanistan, alleging that illegal residents in that region continue to receive protection and that Afghan refugee camps remain operational despite having been officially de-notified by the federal government. According to the minister, these residents are implicated in recent violent incidents, including suicide attacks that occurred last month in Islamabad, Peshawar, and Wana.
The Interior Minister further stated that, starting next week, Station House Officers (SHOs) in various districts will be tasked with identifying illegal Afghan nationals in their jurisdictions. He directed repeated warnings to the KP provincial authorities, urging them to prioritize the country’s security over political considerations. “You need to think about the well-being of the nation first.
Political agendas and other matters can follow, but the immediate priority is addressing the threat posed by illegal residents,” Naqvi said. The minister’s comments underline the federal government’s determination to ensure compliance and accountability at the provincial level, particularly in regions critical to national security.
Islamabad has consistently accused the Afghan Taliban government of providing sanctuaries to militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and facilitating cross-border attacks against Pakistani targets. According to Pakistani authorities, these groups use Afghan territory to regroup, plan, and launch operations against Pakistan, posing a persistent security challenge. Afghanistan, however, rejects these allegations, maintaining that Pakistan should resolve its security issues internally.
The tension between the two countries has previously escalated into deadly border clashes, including an incident in October that resulted in the deaths of dozens of soldiers on both sides. Despite this, both governments later agreed to a temporary ceasefire, though underlying distrust and security concerns continue to shape bilateral relations.
The combination of cracking down on fake news and addressing cross-border security challenges reflects the government’s broader strategy to maintain stability in a complex domestic and regional environment. Naqvi emphasized that the rapid circulation of misinformation through social media platforms not only misleads citizens but also undermines governmental efforts to implement security measures and maintain public confidence.
Social media influencers, journalists, and podcasters were specifically warned to consider the national interest before sharing unverified information. The minister’s repeated emphasis on responsible reporting suggests a coordinated approach involving multiple government bodies, including the Information Ministry and NCCIA, to monitor and regulate content online effectively.
Critics, however, including opposition parties, journalists, and human rights organizations, have raised concerns that recent legal measures might be used to stifle dissent and suppress freedom of expression. Media houses report frequent harassment, intimidation, and pressure from authorities, alleging that the amended PECA and the broader crackdown could curtail investigative journalism. Government officials have consistently denied such claims, insisting that their focus remains on public safety and national security, not on limiting free speech.
Naqvi reiterated that professional journalists who follow ethical standards and verify their reporting will not face obstacles, distinguishing between legitimate media work and the spread of false narratives.
The Interior Minister’s remarks on the deportation drive also highlighted ongoing security concerns tied to regional instability. He asserted that Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan, particularly in KP, have been involved in violent activities, emphasizing the government’s commitment to taking firm action. By linking the crackdown on fake news with the security and repatriation measures, Naqvi framed both initiatives as components of a comprehensive national security strategy. This approach signals the government’s intent to enforce laws rigorously, both online and offline, to protect citizens and preserve order amid evolving threats.
By the end of his briefing, Naqvi had conveyed a clear message to both media professionals and provincial authorities: misinformation, illegal residence, and cross-border militancy will be addressed decisively. His statements reflect the administration’s dual focus on cybersecurity and internal security, emphasizing accountability, responsible conduct, and enforcement of the law. The government aims to create a system in which the public can trust official information, illegal actors are removed from sensitive regions, and militant groups are denied safe havens, thereby reducing the risk of violence and unrest.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi articulated a firm stance on curbing misinformation on social media, reinforcing legal measures against fake news, and maintaining internal security through deportation drives and provincial enforcement. While critics caution against potential overreach, the government presents these actions as necessary to protect national stability, ensure responsible journalism, and safeguard citizens from both digital and physical threats.
The combined focus on media responsibility and cross-border security underscores the complexity of governance in a country navigating both internal challenges and regional tensions.