A brief encounter with a polio survivor exposed the tragic cost of misinformation in Pakistan, a disability not caused by fate but by false beliefs. In today’s digital age, influencers have replaced journalists as primary sources of information, often trading facts for likes and profit. From public health crises to political unrest, Pakistan has suffered the deadly consequences of unchecked digital narratives. Yet, instead of promoting media literacy and platform accountability, the state has responded with authoritarian crackdowns like the PECA amendment, a move that threatens press freedom and dissent. In this powerful piece, Syed Raza unpacks how misinformation thrives, why influencers fuel it, and what Pakistan must do to protect truth, democracy and digital rights.

Sana Yousuf – a girl with a voice, a laugh, a digital footprint. And somehow, that was enough for the world to decide she had it coming. In Pakistan, every time a woman is harassed, attacked, or killed, we don’t just fail her. We interrogate her. Her choices. Her clothes. Her presence. And then we move on. Until the next tragedy. Until the next uncomfortable truth we try to scroll past. As an ordinary human being and a father of two girls, its really exhausting, how normal the abnormal has become. This isn’t just about one girl, it’s about every woman who has had to make herself smaller to feel safer. Every daughter told to shrink. Every son not taught to listen. Every institution that responds and not prevents, if at all.

Democracy is not just about elections. It is about people being truly able to take part in decisions that affect their lives. Yet, in Pakistan, despite constitutional guarantees, citizens often find themselves neglected. Laws like the Right to Information (RTI) exist, but implementation is weak, particularly in Balochistan and Punjab. Misinformation and disinformation further distort public discourse, while controversial laws like Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) are enacted without meaningful public consultation.

Crises are revealing. They strip away our practiced niceties and expose the real substance of our moral selves. And when I look back at how we’ve collectively behaved as a society in moments of shared vulnerability, I struggle to find comfort. What I see instead is a pattern of opportunism, of short-sighted gain, of a startling erosion of empathy.

This article delves into Pakistan's escalating wildfire crisis, highlighting the urgent need for a multifaceted and resilient response. Through historical analysis, examination of societal impacts, and scrutiny of government actions, we propose a comprehensive strategy for mitigating wildfire damage and fostering community resilience.