2 Feb 2019

Fake News Syndrome:

The fake news on social media is an unfortunate trend which needs to be circumvented. Our preconceived biases also strengthens the fake news trope. This menace must be controlled as it spreads misinformation in the society and contributes in a negative way. Some ways to identify fake news are:

• Paying attention to its sources and URLs as to make sure that they are not obscure in nature
• Making sure the news is not predated and running in the guise of current news
• Language of the article is professional
• Sometimes satire is deemed as objective news by those who may not be accustomed to it

The cyber laws may be helpful in curtailing this trend but government must also be conscious of the fact that the process is transparent. 

Scooter for Ladies: 

Motorbikes are less costly and feasible for lower middle class commuters. However, these bikes are also dangerous to commute and amount to one third of all accidents in Pakistan. Demanding motorbikes for ladies may be futile as the clothes worn by ladies in Pakistan are unfit for the commute on bikes owing to danger of accidents. Karachi is also facing serious traffic dilemma and by 2030, the registered bikes may cross 3.6 million. The traffic management must be enhanced.

Freedom of Press:

The federal government is contemplating to convert the media laws under federal government. However, it is a provincial subject. These laws are approved by the cabinet but requires assent of the provinces and the media stakeholders. Cardinal issues regarding these laws are:

• Possible receding of  the provincial autonomy. 
• Unified laws for print electronic and cyberspace is a confused step. all these mediums have its own specific dimension. 
• Print media works rather independently and these laws threaten the enabling environment of print media.
• Media houses will have to renew the yearly licences each year. This gives undue authority to government to control the media. 
• Foreign governments will censure the government for undertaking authoritarian laws.

Due to the above-mentioned critical issues, the government must not  invoke the planned laws and take the media stakeholders into confidence regarding any such laws. 

News:

• A proclaimed sex offender in UK has been caught in Pakistan. A case is lodged in Pakistan's  court to seek permission for his extradition to UK has commenced. The UK and Pakistan have recently concluded cooperative agreement on cross border criminals.
• UK government will not interfere in the Kashmir Solidarity Day event after New Delhi Strongly protested to British High Commission. The UK authorities are of the view that, UK parliamentarians are independent to conduct their activities and can not be barred from their basic rights.