Pakistan leads the way in global battle against disinformation

The adoption of Pakistan’s proposal on countering disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech by UNESCO is a landmark development in the ongoing struggle to preserve truth, democracy, and human dignity in the digital age. This move is not only a diplomatic victory for Pakistan but also a major step toward a global framework that can safeguard freedom of expression while protecting societies from the corrosive effects of falsehood and manipulation.
The proposal, presented by Pakistan’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch at the 222nd Session of the UNESCO Executive Board in Paris, was adopted with strong cross-regional support. This broad consensus reflects the shared recognition by member states that disinformation is no longer a problem confined to individual countries; it is a global threat that transcends borders, political systems, and cultures. The fact that such a proposal came from Pakistan and received wide backing also demonstrates the country’s growing leadership role in shaping responsible international policies on digital governance.
In the modern world, information has become both a powerful tool and a dangerous weapon. While technology has democratized access to information and given billions a voice, it has also opened the floodgates for manipulation on an unprecedented scale. The rise of Artificial Intelligence, neurotechnology, and immersive digital environments has made it possible to create fake but highly convincing audio, video, and text content capable of deceiving entire populations. Deepfakes, fabricated news reports, and coordinated online propaganda campaigns are not just distorting facts; they are undermining democracies, inciting hatred, and eroding trust in institutions.
Against this backdrop, UNESCO’s emphasis on the responsibility of digital platforms is of critical importance. Major social media and technology companies shape what billions of people see and believe daily, yet their operations often remain opaque. Pakistan’s proposal rightly underscores the need for transparency and accountability in how these platforms operate. UNESCO has now called on them to detect and label AI-generated or manipulated content, strengthen authentication measures, and make their content moderation processes more open and accountable to public oversight. These are not measures to censor speech but steps to empower users with the tools to discern fact from fabrication.
Equally important is the delicate balance between countering disinformation and protecting freedom of expression. Around the world, we have seen how efforts to regulate digital spaces can be misused to silence dissent and control narratives. Pakistan’s proposal, however, frames the fight against disinformation within the boundaries of international human rights law. It affirms that freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy and must be preserved even as states and international organizations act to protect the integrity of information.
For Pakistan, this initiative is particularly meaningful. The country has been a target of disinformation campaigns and coordinated foreign propaganda designed to distort its image and sow discord. By taking this proposal to UNESCO and gaining broad support, Pakistan has signaled its readiness to play a constructive role on the world stage, not just as a defender of its own information space but as an advocate for global solutions. It is an example of soft power diplomacy that aligns national interest with a universal cause.
The challenge ahead, however, is not a small one. Disinformation is deeply entrenched and constantly evolving. Its sources are diverse, ranging from state-backed networks to commercial disinformation-for-hire operations to ideologically driven actors. No single country can effectively combat this challenge in isolation. That is why Pakistan’s proposal must now serve as a catalyst for international cooperation, capacity building, and responsible regulation. Governments, digital platforms, civil society, and international organizations must work in coordination to build resilience against these threats.
This includes strengthening media literacy, equipping journalists and fact-checkers with better tools, investing in digital education, and developing mechanisms that ensure transparency without curbing legitimate expression. For countries in the Global South, where regulatory frameworks and technical capacity often lag behind the speed of technological change, UNESCO’s leadership in facilitating such efforts will be vital.
The stakes are high. Disinformation is not just about misleading individuals; it can polarize societies, undermine elections, escalate conflicts, and destabilize entire regions. As Artificial Intelligence continues to advance, the line between truth and fabrication will become even harder to distinguish. This makes UNESCO’s adoption of Pakistan’s proposal not just timely but urgently necessary. It is a step toward ensuring that the information space remains a realm of debate and discourse rather than deception and division.
Pakistan must now build on this diplomatic success through sustained engagement, both internationally and domestically. At home, it must continue to strengthen its digital governance, media literacy, and fact-checking mechanisms, ensuring that the principles it advocates abroad are upheld within its own borders. At the international level, Islamabad should play an active role in shaping future discussions on digital accountability, algorithmic transparency, and AI ethics.
The fight against disinformation is ultimately a fight for truth, democracy, and human dignity. It requires not just laws and regulations but also political will, technological innovation, and public awareness. Pakistan’s leadership in advancing this agenda at UNESCO is a positive and powerful signal. It shows that the international community can come together around shared values to confront shared threats.
In a world where lies can travel faster than facts, this initiative is a reminder that truth, when defended collectively, still has power. UNESCO’s adoption of Pakistan’s proposal represents a significant milestone – one that lays the foundation for a safer, more trustworthy, and more democratic digital future.