Islamabad, Jan 7: The federal government has allocated Rs. 2 billion in a decisive move to combat the rising threat of fake news and disinformation campaigns targeting state institutions. This step, approved during an Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, aims to strengthen efforts in countering deliberate misinformation that has been undermining national security and political stability.
A significant portion of the allocated funds, Rs. 1.945 billion, will go to the Ministry of Defence to counter the growing disinformation campaigns, which have become a tool to destabilize public confidence in key state bodies. The army leadership, including Army Chief General Asim Munir, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of tackling such propaganda and ensuring that those spreading false narratives are held accountable.
In a detailed briefing, the ECC was informed that the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) is at the forefront of battling disinformation. However, the evolving sophistication of misinformation tactics has necessitated technological upgrades to enhance ISPR’s capabilities in this area.
To address these challenges, the government has earmarked Rs. 1.22 billion for technological advancements aimed at countering advanced tools used by disinformation networks. Additionally, Rs. 723 million has been allocated for cybersecurity improvements, a critical element in safeguarding digital spaces from malicious actors.
The government has also committed to integrating the recurring annual cost of Rs. 1.6 billion for these initiatives into the upcoming fiscal year’s budget to ensure the long-term sustainability of efforts to combat fake news and its harmful effects. These measures are part of a broader strategy to safeguard national interests and uphold the integrity of public institutions against the growing menace of digital misinformation.
