Key Points
- Islamabad warns that misinformation, disinformation and hate speech are deepening social divisions and eroding public confidence.
- Pakistani diplomat raises concerns over internet shutdowns, censorship and digital surveillance.
- Pakistan urges collective action against Islamophobia, racism and xenophobia and calls for greater interfaith harmony.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has called for stronger international cooperation to counter disinformation, misinformation and hate speech, warning that their growing misuse is polarising societies.
The fake news and propaganda onslaught are manipulating public opinion and weakening confidence in international institutions.
Amanat Ali, Counsellor (Press) at Pakistan’s Mission to the UN, rang the alert bell, addressing the United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee during a debate on information.
The concentration of influence among multinational technology companies and digital platforms posed growing challenges to freedom of expression and the integrity of information.
He was concerned that opaque algorithms and corporate content policies were overwhelmingly shaping public discourse, arguing that technology companies needed greater accountability for their role in the global information environment.
Ali warned that internet shutdowns, censorship, digital surveillance and restrictive media laws were being used to silence legitimate voices, distort realities and undermine struggles for fundamental rights and self-determination.
He called for urgent international cooperation to address these challenges, particularly in conflict zones and territories under foreign occupation, where information manipulation could conceal human rights violations and suppress dissent.
Pakistan highlights AI risks
The Pakistani diplomat also highlighted the risks of artificial intelligence (AI) misuse, noting that although emerging technologies offered opportunities to expand knowledge and accelerate development, they could also facilitate deception and manipulate public opinion.
He called for transparent, accountable international approaches to the emerging technologies. He stressed that countries should retain the right to regulate their digital environments in accordance with international law and national frameworks.
Ali urged the international community to intensify efforts against Islamophobia, racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance, emphasising the importance of promoting mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony.
He also called on the UN Department of Global Communications to strengthen its outreach through digital platforms, local languages and cooperation with member states.
Ali reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to freedom of expression, media independence and access to information.
He also reiterated Islamabad’s readiness to work with other member states towards a more inclusive, credible and responsible global information environment.
