IN Pakistan, Imran Khan’s PTI Party actively used social media for its political goals and managed to create a narrative despite opposition from mainstream media. 9th May’s tragic and shameful incidents were the result of this social media’s misguided propaganda campaign by PTI’s leaders and workers. More than that, relations with friendly countries also estranged by false and baseless information by young activists of this party. The constitutional institutions remained target of PTI’s activists as well.

Misinformation in Pakistan is not only a political but a multifaceted issue, influenced by the country’s complex social and technological landscape. Pakistan’s political environment is characterized by sharp divisions across ideological, ethnic and religious lines. These divisions often lead to the creation and circulation of tailored narratives that serve specific political or ideological ends. For instance, during election times, it’s not uncommon for political parties to disseminate misleading information about opponents, exploiting existing prejudices or biases within certain voter groups to gain an advantage.

The internet is expanding rapidly, more people are getting their news from social media platforms where the authenticity of information is not always verified. This has led to the viral spread of false information. A case in point is the spread of health-related misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, where unverified home remedies and conspiracy theories about the virus’s origins and vaccines proliferated, often overshadowing factual public health messages. These examples underscore the challenges posed by misinformation in Pakistan, highlighting the need for robust measures to promote media literacy and fact-checking in news platforms to mitigate the impact of false information on society. Pakistan took a significant step towards technological advancement by formulating its first AI policy. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster growth within the country.

However, the policy is not without its shortcomings. It has been criticized for lacking comprehensive stakeholder involvement and for missing critical perspectives that are essential for a well-rounded policy. The government’s slow pace in adopting digital changes poses another challenge, hindering the effective implementation of the AI policy. Concerns have also been raised about internet infrastructure issues, which could potentially undermine confidence in the burgeoning AI market. Critics argue that the policy seems to be more inspirational than practical, suggesting that it may not have been thoroughly considered.

The impact of AI on democracy is contingent upon the manner in which it is developed and utilised. It is crucial for policymakers, researchers and technology experts to collaborate closely to ensure that AI is employed in ways that are ethical, fair and supportive of democratic principles. Moreover, the issues of misinformation and manipulation present significant challenges to democracy in Pakistan. As a developing nation grappling with intolerance and illiteracy, these challenges are exacerbated. It underscores the necessity for informed and thoughtful policy-making to cultivate a peaceful and enlightened society.

—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.

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