Journalist Benazir Shah Targeted Online; Govt Vows Action

News Desk 

Islamabad: Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar has condemned the creation and circulation of a fake AI-generated video targeting female journalist Benazir Shah, calling the act “totally unacceptable and highly condemnable.”

The matter came to light when Shah revealed that an X account, followed by Minister Tarar, had produced and shared the video. “But as we’ve said before, we’ll say it again, attacks won’t silence us,” she stated.

Responding to Shah’s post, Tarar clarified that while he follows over 1,900 accounts on X, he does not endorse the actions of the account involved. He assured that appropriate measures would be taken against those responsible for spreading the fabricated content, emphasizing that no one has the right to intimidate journalists through defamation or false material.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/police-yet-to-protect-journalists-facing-wana-threats/

Shah later expressed her appreciation for Tarar’s response but declined to file a case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) through the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). She criticized the law and agency, saying they have been used to “harass journalists, silence private citizens, and suppress dissent.”

“I appreciate the information minister taking this matter seriously. However, I do not wish to pursue a PECA case through the NCCIA, as doing so would lend legitimacy to a law and an institution that have been used to harass journalists, silence private citizens, and suppress dissent,” Shah said.

She urged the government to scrap PECA and the NCCIA and engage in a genuine consultation process to draft legislation that addresses the safety and concerns of journalists and citizens.

The incident highlights growing concerns over AI-generated content and its potential use to target media professionals in Pakistan.