Syed Ali Shah:
Quetta — Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti on Tuesday strongly criticized the unchecked spread of fake news and character assassination on social media, saying the issue has become “intractable” and poses a serious threat to democratic norms and personal dignity.
Addressing the Balochistan Assembly, the chief minister said he had been raising concerns about the misuse of social media since day one. “I myself have been a victim of social media trolling,” he told the House. “Baseless and fake news is often linked to my name—claims so absurd that even I find them hard to believe,” he added, underscoring the emotional and reputational toll such campaigns inflict.
Bugti urged the Speaker to form a special committee comprising lawmakers who have been victims of online defamation. Stressing the need for deterrence, he said a few strict examples must be set. “Make two or three cases an example and the rest will correct themselves. Defamation laws must be implemented in letter and spirit,” he asserted.
Clarifying the government’s stance, the chief minister said elected representatives were not afraid of accountability. “We welcome accountability, but those who spread fake news and defame honorable members must also be held accountable,” he said, drawing desk-thumping support from both treasury and opposition benches.
Responding to the concerns raised, Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly Captain (Retd) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai took a firm position, directing the regional head of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to appear before the House and initiate a formal inquiry into online campaigns, including the issue referred to as “Balochistan Leaks.”
Several lawmakers echoed the chief minister’s remarks, calling the coordinated social media attacks an attempt to malign public representatives and weaken democratic institutions.
The Assembly emphasized the need for urgent legal and institutional measures to curb the misuse of digital platforms, protect reputations, and restore public trust in elected leadership.
