- The report ignores official facts and official statements: ministry.
- AJK IGP Malik says AI is fueling the spread of false narratives.
- Adds that AJK roads remain open, except some parts of Rawalakot.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has lodged a strong protest and formal complaint with a foreign website over the publication of ‘fake news’ alleging that vehicles carrying food were being obstructed in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) amid the ongoing protests.
The report was based on unverified and uncorroborated allegations, while ignoring official facts and statements available on file, the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry further said that this was not an isolated incident, alleging that repeated publication of unverified allegations had become a recurring trend and corrective action needed to be taken.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Captain (retd) Liaqat Ali Malik also rejected “false propaganda” regarding the situation in AJK, saying that misinformation and fabricated reports were a major challenge in the current times.
Malik, addressing a press conference, said that mischievous elements were spreading false narratives about the situation in AJK. He added that advances in artificial intelligence made it possible to create false narratives aimed at misleading the public.
His statement follows the banning of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) as a banned organization on June 5 under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) after violent protests in AJK.
The ban was imposed days before the banned group’s planned June 9 protest seeking removal of 12 seats in AJK reserved for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) who migrated to Pakistan after 1947.
He said fake and fabricated news had become one of the biggest challenges of modern times.
Malik urged citizens to verify information before sharing it and stressed the importance of confirming the authenticity of information circulating on various platforms.
Malik also criticized a report by a foreign channel, saying it contained baseless claims contrary to the facts.
The police chief specifically rejected claims that vehicles transporting food items had been stopped, calling them unfounded.
Malik said members of the banned organization were stopping commercial vehicles, looting their goods and intimidating drivers in some areas. He said these actions contributed significantly to the difficulties faced by citizens in parts of AJK.
He said all entry and exit routes from AJK were open and the police, in coordination with the district administration, were working to keep the roads clear and accessible to the public. Malik added that some areas of Rawalakot continued to face disruptions.
Reaffirming the role of law enforcement agencies, the police chief said the AJK Police remained committed to protecting the lives and property of the public.
