ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan has said that he and his wife were being targeted through ‘fake news’ after the new government failed in its narrative against him.
While meeting a delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) at his residence in Islamabad, the former prime minister said he is being targeted through fake news. “I, my wife, are being targeted via fake news,” he said. “Accusations are being levelled, the enemy as a state also uses fake news as a weapon.”
He said journalists have a key role to play in curbing fake news and rumour-mongering to encourage the growth and development of independent media in the country. Imran Khan said fake news and freedom of speech are two separate things and even the state uses fake news as a weapon.
The meeting also discussed interference in the politics as a result of foreingn conspiracies and change of government. “We have always been working to prevent rumour making and fake news. We will continue to fight against it,” he added.
He said his government was removed under a plan, adding that a full-fledged campaign will be launched after Eidul Fitr and the government will be pressurised to hold elections.
The former PM was informed that during his government, the CPNE had submitted a note to the information ministry regarding the interpretation of fake news and proposal to determine a specific time period for defamation cases. The note has now also been submitted to the current information minister.
CPNE President Kazim Khan said rectification of mistakes is more important than blaming the media.The delegation sought the cooperation of Imran Khan in countering fake news which he accepted.
