Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has directed the provincial Information Department to strengthen monitoring of fake news and misleading information and develop an effective strategy to counter its spread.
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The directives were issued during a meeting of the Sindh Information Department chaired by Sharjeel Memon. Information Secretary Kashif Gulzar Sheikh, Director General Information Moez Pirzada and directors of various departments attended the meeting.
Sharjeel Memon directed the Information Secretary and departmental directors to monitor fake news on mainstream and social media platforms on a daily basis.
He called for the use of modern technology to identify misleading information and directed the department to establish an effective mechanism for the identification, verification and timely response to fake news.
Memon said attempts to damage the reputation of individuals or institutions through false or misleading information would not be tolerated.
The senior minister also directed the Information Department to seek assistance from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to prevent the spread of fake news and misleading information.
He called for stronger coordination between the Sindh Information Department and the NCCIA, including assistance in taking legal action against individuals involved in creating or disseminating fake news, according to the directives issued during the meeting.
Memon said the Sindh government’s stated narrative was based on peace, tolerance, inter-provincial harmony and national unity.
He directed the Information Department to take additional measures to make the provincial government’s communication strategy more effective and robust.
The department was also instructed to use modern communication platforms to highlight the provincial government’s stated initiatives and activities.
Memon further directed officials to include representatives from different segments of society in the government’s communication strategy.
He said the Information Department should focus not only on monitoring fake news but also on communicating the Sindh government’s position and initiatives effectively.
