KEY POINTS
- All govt departments are mandated to provide verified updates.
- The move follows a viral fake advisory about a blast near the Wagah Border
ISLAMABAD: In response to escalating tensions with India, Pakistan’s Punjab government has launched an emergency digital initiative aimed at countering fake news and misinformation — a move seen as critical to maintaining public trust and internal stability during a time of heightened national alert.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the immediate development and deployment of a dedicated web portal to provide citizens with real-time, verified information from official sources.
The portal, developed under the supervision of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), is designed to serve as a centralised hub for government updates and departmental communications.
The initiative comes amid an increase in false reports circulating on social media, including a widely shared fake security advisory that falsely claimed a blast near the Wagah Border and advised mass evacuation from parts of Lahore.
The Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Lahore swiftly debunked the advisory, clarifying that no such incident had occurred and condemning the circulation of fabricated messages attributed to government officials.
“The portal will serve as an authoritative source during emergencies or crises, ensuring that the public receives only accurate and timely updates,” said a government spokesperson.
According to sources in the Punjab administration, all departments have been instructed to regularly update the portal, particularly in sensitive situations.
Secretary Home Department, Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, has tasked the PITB Chairman with launching the portal within 24 hours — treating the initiative as a top-priority countermeasure against coordinated disinformation campaigns.
In parallel, the Punjab government is also moving to bolster internal security preparedness by proposing the establishment of dedicated emergency funds for the province’s Internal Security Wing.
A formal summary has been drafted and is expected to reach the Chief Minister’s desk for approval soon.
This dual strategy — combating misinformation and improving emergency readiness — underscores the provincial government’s commitment to public safety, transparency, and rapid crisis response at a time of growing regional instability.
