By : Dr. Gholam Mujtaba, MS, MD, Ed.D.
USA : The current administration’s proposed measures to curb social media under the guise of addressing “false and fake news” have raised serious concerns about justice, accountability, and the dual system of law in Pakistan. While the intent to prosecute individuals spreading disinformation may seem justified on the surface, the reality reveals a deeper, more troubling issue: the government has propagated misleading information, undermining trust in national institutions and the economy.
Fake News from the Top: A Case Study
If we scrutinize the claims made by the establishment, particularly regarding economic agreements and investments, we find glaring discrepancies. For instance:
1. Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Foreign Nations: Over the years, dozens of MOUs between Pakistan and foreign countries have been announced with great fanfare. However, most of these agreements have never materialized. These announcements, aimed at projecting economic progress, mislead the public and potential investors.
2. Stock Market Misrepresentation: In 2017, Pakistan’s stock market peaked at 53,000 points with a capital investment of $88 billion. By 2024, despite soaring to 95,000 points, the capital investment had plummeted to $38 billion—a stark two-thirds reduction. This artificial inflation of stock market indices, driven by baseless optimism, reflects a deliberate attempt to create a facade of economic growth.
3. Unrealized Foreign Investments: In 2022, government officials claimed that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait would each invest $25 billion in Pakistan. Two years later, these declarations, made publicly in front of the business community in Lahore and Karachi, still need to be fulfilled. This blatant disinformation was designed to bolster economic confidence but exposed the government’s deceptive practices.
Implications of Fake News by the Establishment
The deliberate dissemination of false information by those in power carries far-reaching consequences:
• Erosion of Public Trust: Misinformation erodes citizens’ confidence in their government and institutions. Once lost, trust is difficult to rebuild.
• Investor Reluctance: Misleading claims deter serious investors, who are unlikely to commit resources to an economy built on unsubstantiated promises.
• Economic Instability: Manipulated narratives about economic performance create market volatility, ultimately harming small investors and businesses.
A Double Standard in Justice
The government’s selective approach to justice is deeply troubling. Those in opposition or without political power face harsh penalties for minor infractions, while those in power escape scrutiny for egregious actions. This dual justice system violates the principles of fairness and threatens national security and sovereignty.
Notable Examples:
1. Panama Papers Scandal: The revelations led to the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, yet he managed to regain political clout despite substantial evidence of corruption.
2. Mumbai Attacks and Kargil Conflict: Nawaz Sharif’s admission that Pakistan was involved in these incidents compromised national security. Such actions should have led to strict accountability, but they were brushed aside.
3. Judicial Inaction: Despite compelling evidence of misinformation and corruption by those in power, the judiciary still needs to take decisive action, perpetuating injustice.
The Need for Judicial Intervention
To safeguard Pakistan’s integrity, the judiciary, particularly the Chief Justice of Pakistan, must intervene decisively. A suo motu notice should address:
• Prosecution of Fake News Promoters: Those who propagate false information, including government officials, must face legal consequences.
• Reforms to Ensure Equal Justice: The judiciary must eliminate the dual system of law and ensure that power and privilege do not shield individuals from accountability.
• Transparency in Economic Policies: Authorities must provide verifiable evidence for claims about MOUs and foreign investments, fostering public trust and investor confidence.
A Call to Action
Pakistan is at a crossroads. Its dual system of justice, fueled by deception and impunity, threatens the nation’s economic stability, national security, and democratic fabric. Upholding truthfulness and justice are imperative to restoring public confidence and safeguarding the country’s future.
The establishment must realize that while misinformation on social media is problematic, deliberate falsehoods about national policies are far more damaging. The judiciary, media, and civil society must join forces to hold all individuals accountable for their actions regardless of their position. Pakistan can overcome its challenges and achieve a brighter future through a unified commitment to justice and transparency.
