LAHORE: Amid rising concerns over misinformation and growing public debate on delayed state notifications, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed on Monday that constitutional procedures cannot be rushed, stressing that institutional reforms require time and due process.
Responding to speculation surrounding the pending notification of the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Naqvi said the establishment of a new constitutional institution “cannot happen with the press of a button”. He added that those spreading rumours were free to continue, but official processes would move forward according to the law.
The minister, speaking at a wide-ranging press conference in Lahore, also announced that the Information Ministry and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) would soon launch a large-scale operation against the spread of fake news on social media. He noted that in recent weeks, “almost 90 per cent of social media content appears fabricated”, posing risks to public order.
Naqvi said mainstream media remained accountable under established editorial systems, while social platforms allowed unchecked dissemination of misleading claims. “Anyone can post any picture or story without responsibility,” he remarked, adding that action would now be taken against individuals spreading baseless allegations.
He stressed that crackdown would not target journalists, whom he defined as those working within professional news organisations. “Those involved in spreading misinformation online are not journalists for us,” he said, urging vloggers and podcasters to uphold responsible reporting practices. Responding to a question about whether a new regulatory mechanism was being set up, Naqvi said the framework was already under development. Individuals circulating false claims, he added, would have to answer for their actions.
Commenting on claims that a political campaign was being run from India, Naqvi said such activities should come to light so the public could see “how far some people are willing to go”. He warned that those abroad attempting to malign state institutions would eventually have to face accountability.
Naqvi also addressed challenges in repatriation of Afghan refugees, saying the federal government was encountering resistance in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), unlike in other provinces. He alleged that some Afghan refugee camps, though officially de-notified, were still operating in KP.
Citing recent incidents, including the November 24 attack on the Federal Constabulary headquarters in Peshawar, the minister said those involved were Afghan nationals. Police SHOs nationwide, he added, had been tasked with identifying undocumented Afghans for deportation. Those who re-enter Pakistan after repatriation would face arrest.
He urged the KP government to prioritise national security over political considerations, saying Pakistan “cannot afford more bomb blasts”. Addressing concerns about passengers being prevented from travelling abroad, Naqvi said only 50-70 individuals were being offloaded daily. He accused “agent mafias” of exaggerating the matter online, adding that those carrying complete documentation were not being stopped. Action against travellers with inadequate documents, he said, was essential to improving the global standing of Pakistan’s passport.
Separately, Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar said that as the constitutional amendment was already made, a single notification would be issued for the Army Chief and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), and the matters would be resolved soon. He clarified that there was no delay or hurdle in the issuance of the notification concerning the appointment of the Army Chief and the Chief of Defence Forces, saying the process would proceed smoothly after the recent constitutional amendment.
Talking to reporters on Monday, the law minister explained that Parliament had already passed the required legislation, and the issuance of the notification was directly tied to the legal framework now in place. “The law has been passed; the notification is simply a connected procedural matter,” he added.
Dispelling speculation about any deadlock, Tarar stressed that no issues were obstructing the process. “There is nothing to suggest that the matter of notification has been halted. Everything is on track,” he stated.
He added that once Prime Minister returns to the country, the defence ministry will complete the remaining formalities and move the process forward. “After the prime minister’s return, the defence ministry will take the next steps,” he noted.
Tarar assured that a single consolidated notification covering both the Army Chief and the Chief of Defence Forces would be issued soon, in accordance with the new constitutional provision.
Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has dismissed reports claiming Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif is stopping the issuance of the notification for the appointment of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
Speaking exclusively to Geo News on Monday, Sanaullah said Nawaz Sharif has never expressed such thoughts about the CDF. “His statements are being unnecessarily linked to this matter. His remarks were made in another context, and the background of what he said that day was different,” he added.
The PML-N leader revealed that all constitutional amendments were approved with Nawaz’s consent as the party president.Sanaullah said a new CDF institution was to be established, adding it would “be a very important” institution. He added the notification would be issued at the appropriate time once the prime minister returns to the country. “After the Constitution comes the law, and after the law, the rules are framed. All of these things must be done with caution.” Sanaullah criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for resorting to “threats and protests”, saying the party could have handled its matters in a better way.
