Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Friday said that a proposed law to curb fake news in Pakistan has been sent to the cabinet for approval.
The minister said that Pakistan could not move forward unless there were political reforms. “Reforms concerning judiciary and media are also necessary,” Fawad stated.
Last week, the minister stated that the “greatest challenge” being faced by modern media was the dissemination of false propaganda through fake news.
“The phenomenon of fake news emerged after a revolution in information technology (IT) and an increase in the number of media platforms,” he had told a seminar. He had said the international community would have to prepare some rules to counter fake news and the aspect of responsibility would have to be added with freedom of expression.
While speaking of the soaring inflation, the minister stated that the government would soon provide “massive relief” on four items of daily use i.e. sugar, flour, ghee and pulses.
He further revealed that the government will also provide relief on education and healthcare services. He stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to start distributing health cards in Punjab.
“Now every family in Punjab will be able to get health insurance up to Rs1 million every year,” he said, adding that the process to distribute cards will start in December and conclude by March.
He added that these cards will be accepted at all hospitals, including private, across Punjab.
Calling the programme a “gamechanger”, Fawad said that this will ensure “best treatment” to everyone belonging to the poor and middle classes.
