Fake news must be fought to win against terrorism: PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday vowed to tackle the growing challenge of digital media including the fake news and misinformation on social media platforms, calling it inevitable for elimination of terrorism and extremism from the country.

He was chairing the meeting of the Apex Committee of National Action Plan (NCP), attended by by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the federal cabinet members, chief ministers of all provinces, Chief of Army Staff and other high officials.

The PM expressed the government’s determination to completely eliminate Fitna Al-Khawarij from the country to ensure socio-economic development of the country. However, he was of the view that without counter challenge of misinformation and fake news, “all efforts (to eliminate terrorism and extremism in the country) will go waste.”

He said that certain questions were being raised by distorting facts and twisting the reality on social media that were denting the state’s image. “On digital front, the venom against Pakistan is being spitted through social media from some elements abroad. This is also a big challenge, which is supported by distorted facts and twisted reality,”

Shehbaz recalled how fake news were spread with regard to martyrdom of personnel of Rangers on November 26.

The sacrifices of the Armed Forces are immense which would not go waste and Pakistan will continue its journey towards peace, stability and prosperity, he added.

On the occasion, the PM also congratulated the nation as Pakistan assumed non-permanent membership of United Nation Security Council.

He emphasized that some Khawarij intruders were living in Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to disturb the country’s peace.

The PM pointed out that the agenda of prosperity and development was discussed in the previous day’s meeting where it was agreed that without bringing peace and stability in the country, economic development, was not possible.

He stressed that the federal government, the provinces and all relevant stakeholders in collaboration with the Pakistan security forces should make a comprehensive plan in this regard. He pledged that with unity of thought and action, the government will implement such plans in letter and spirit, to resolve all challenges faced by the country.

CM GANDAPUR’S STATEMENT AFTER THE MEETING

“The Apex Committee meeting discussed the overall law and order situation,” CM Gandapur told media after the meeting. He said that terrorism will not be tolerated in the country under any circumstances. “It has been decided that we will fight terrorists together,” he added.

Speaking on the negotiations between the government and the opposition, Gandapur said, “The talks between the government and the opposition are welcome.” However, he added that the protesters in Islamabad were political activists. “There are reservations about the way the federal government treated the protesters,” he added.

The chief minister added that the security forces are making sacrifices against terrorism. “We are holding talks for Pakistan. This country is our priority,” Gandapur said. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM also said he’s been informed that dialogue has begun with Afghanistan. “Terrorism is entering Pakistan from across the border. They must be stopped. If terrorists come to cities, it is the responsibility of the provinces to take action,” Gandapur said.

Speaking on the situation in Kurram, he said, “This problem in Kurram is a century-old.” However, he said that the Kurram issue has now been resolved, and “we will open roads and facilitate the people. 99 per cent of the Kurram agreement has been signed, the rest will be done today.”