Pakistan joins list of countries affected by misinformation: report

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has listed Pakistan as one of the countries severely affected by misinformation and misleading narratives, according to its 2024 Global Risks Report.

The report highlighted that the spread of false information poses one of the most critical challenges for Pakistan in the next two years, ranking the risk between fourth and sixth among the overall threats the country faces.

Misinformation is reportedly fueling sectarianism, religious conflicts, and social divisions, thereby undermining social cohesion.

The report warned that these challenges are not confined to societal unrest but extend to political instability, erosion of trust in democratic institutions, and tarnished public confidence.

India topped the list of nations most affected by misinformation, while the United States ranked sixth. The United Kingdom and Mexico shared the 11th position, and Indonesia came in at 12th.

The WEF analysis further warned that if unchecked, the rampant spread of false narratives could lead to a weakening of democratic institutions and heightened political instability in Pakistan.

To address this escalating issue, the report emphasised the need for a multifaceted approach, including legislative action, social awareness campaigns, educational reforms, and enhanced transparency on digital platforms.

Without such measures, the report stated that misinformation could exacerbate existing societal and political challenges.