KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has ordered the provincial Information Department to step up efforts to identify and counter fake news and misleading content across mainstream and social media platforms.
The directives were issued during a meeting of the Information Department chaired by Memon. Information Secretary Kashif Gulzar Sheikh, Director General Information Moez Pirzada and senior officials from various wings of the department attended the meeting.
Memon instructed officials to introduce a stronger monitoring system for tracking false or misleading reports and ensure timely verification and response.
He also directed the department to approach the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for assistance in dealing with the spread of fabricated content and pursuing legal action where necessary.
The senior minister said modern technology should be used to monitor social and mainstream media on a daily basis and detect misinformation at an early stage.
He called for an effective mechanism to verify questionable information before responding to it, while directing officials to enhance coordination with the NCCIA.
Memon said individuals or organisations should not be targeted through false or misleading information and stressed that such practices would not be tolerated.
He further directed the department to strengthen the communication of the Sindh government’s stated narrative, which he said was centred on peace, tolerance, inter-provincial harmony and national unity.
The Information Department was also instructed to make greater use of modern communication platforms to highlight the provincial government’s initiatives and public-oriented measures.
Memon said representatives from different segments of society should be incorporated into the government’s communication strategy to make it more inclusive and effective.
He stressed that the department’s role should extend beyond monitoring misinformation, urging officials to ensure that the government’s policies, initiatives and position on key issues are communicated effectively to the public.
