Have you ever noticed how information on social media and WhatsApp groups can explode within seconds? Disinformation, misinformation, and fake news have caused multiple devastating consequences in Pakistani society. We have been observing a peak amount of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news related to the Polio virus, COVID-19, Minorities’ rights, online blasphemy accusations, attacks on human rights activists, and attempts to undermine Political or Social Movements.

The contemporary media in Pakistan has been polarized; one can hardly find unbiased news and analysis on specific social and political matters. Moreover, responsible journalism on social media is hard to find, as many people post videos, news, and personal information about specific individuals, politicians, or institutions solely to gain views and money.

As a result, social media platforms are often used to spread hatred against specific genders, individuals, or minority groups. The dissemination of fake information and hate speech against religious minority groups has exacerbated their circumstances. Social media platforms have also been used to spread fake news, leading to blasphemy accusations. The case of Mashal Khan is a prime example of how false accusations of blasphemy were linked to social media platforms. In this case, fake accounts were used to defame and accuse him, which was verified by the police after the death.

Mashal Khan was an exceptional student. He stood out among his batchmates and often immersed himself in reading philosophers like Karl Marx, engaging in intellectual debates and discussions. However, his peers were uncomfortable with his popularity on campus; they launched a malicious campaign against him, spreading rumors that he had posted blasphemous content online. The fake news spread quickly; unfortunately, a mob attacked him in his hostel room and beat him to death on the same day. Mashal’s story is heartbreaking because fake news claimed the life of an exceptional individual in a matter of seconds.

In the documentary “Murder on Campus: The Story of Mashal Khan” by BBC News, a friend of Mashal’s recalled how the mob that beat Mashal to death was contended and urged others to join them. Mashal’s father discussed how his son was innocent and had been killed for speaking out against the inefficient university administration. Mashal, a 23-year-old, Abdul Wali Khan University student, was falsely accused of blasphemy and lynched by the mob in 2017.

According to a report by Dawn, 89 citizens have been killed in 1,415 blasphemy accusations and cases since 1947. Mashal’s story is not an isolated case; Junaid Hafeez, a Fulbright alumnus and university lecturer, was also accused of blasphemy; after accepting his case, Rashid Rehman, his initial lawyer, was fatally shot in 2014. Hafeez had earned his master’s degree from a reputable American university and returned to Pakistan to work for the betterment of his country. Unfortunately, he was arrested and sentenced to death in 2013.

Moreover, a prominent Pakistani politician, Salman Taseer, was murdered by his security guard in 2011 for supporting Christian woman Asia Bibi, who was accused of blasphemy by her neighbors, illustrating how many people have lost their precious lives due to blasphemy accusations. It is often difficult to prove anyone innocent in blasphemy cases, as their lawyers are frequently killed or abducted. The blasphemy laws were codified by India’s British rulers in 1860 and were expanded in 1927. Pakistan adopted these laws after the partition, which are strict, sentencing anyone who insults the religion to death.

Unfortunately, many people have been accused and killed, such as Priyantha Diyawadanage, a Sri Lankan national who was attacked and murdered by a mob outside his factory in Sialkot. This highlights the danger of misinformation, disinformation and fake news, which are not only limited to news authenticity or unreliable sources of information.

Minority communities are primarily targeted in Pakistan, not because of their religious practices but often due to fake narratives and inadequate perceptions and information linked to them. That is the one main reason Ahmadis are in exile and seek political asylum in other countries due to the constant persecution they suffer in Pakistan.

How to Overcome Misinformation, Disinformation, and Fake News?

To overcome misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, it is essential to handle the situation with the following steps:

Verify the source of information: In the era of social media, news can spread within seconds. Therefore, before sharing, posting, or sending it to others, it is crucial to check where the news originated and how it was developed. In addition, checking the source’s reliability can double-check the facts and authenticity of the news.

Consider the impact: It is essential to consider the impact and effect of the news before disseminating it. Is the news about harming a specific individual, community, or minority group already at risk? As responsible users/citizens, we should consider the normative backgrounds and principles that allow us to share this information with other people. If the news contains sensitive information that can put an already marginalized ethnic or religious group at risk, it is essential not to share such content.

Objectives behind the information: News viral on social media often has specific objectives, especially concerning politics or a political figure. Viral posts might be created with the aim of political scoring. A well-informed social media user will always prefer to check the objectives of the information.

Hoax: If certain information encourages you to share it, check if it includes spelling mistakes and if the sender claims to be a part of a social media platform. If so, it is essential not to share it with anyone.

During these times when social media plays a crucial role in sharing information, woke activism, and whistleblowers, it is essential to understand that social media can also be risky. It can be used to defame a particular individual and to harm a specific minority group. We, as users, should be cautious while sharing information, posts, and opinions on social media. Dissenting voices is not a crime, and there should be enough space for every citizen, regardless of ethnicity, gender, and religion, to express their organic thoughts. We must acknowledge that only pluralistic societies progress, and bringing acceptance and tolerance can create a safe space for everyone.

Way Forward

Governments and institutions must take appropriate measures and implement policies in light of the devastating impacts of disinformation, misinformation, and fake news on society. Social media content creation must adhere strictly to community guidelines. The judicial system in Pakistan requires serious reform. No one should be sentenced to death based on rumors or false accusations. Blasphemy cases should undergo a thorough investigation and verification process to save many innocent lives.

Furthermore, there is a dire need to amend the blasphemy law by seeking input from global Islamic scholars. The constitution guarantees individuals’ lives, and any mob or group dictating to take someone’s life should face strict punishment according to the laws. Our curriculum and education system must teach students about other religions and their practices worldwide, including Pakistan. Teachers, parents, and individuals have a significant role in countering this immediate challenge. Our society must embrace diversity, and our educational institutions, specifically Universities, must become research centers, as modern research can lead us away from these medieval practices and ways of thinking.

*This Blog post is written by Zohra Khatoon. She is the Research and Communications Associate at Accountability Lab Pakistan.