Riyadh — Pakistan Television (PTV), the national TV channel of Pakistan, has come under fire for allegedly running a disinformation campaign against Saudi Arabia, falsely claiming that the Kingdom is providing support to Israel in the Palestinian issue.
The disinformation campaign, which spread false allegations regarding Saudi Arabia’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, sparked outrage and raised concerns about the credibility and integrity of PTV. The allegations suggested that the Kingdom was extending support to Israel, a claim that has been vehemently denied by Saudi Arabian authorities.
Interim Minister of Pakistan, Anwar Kakkar, took immediate cognizance of the issue and swiftly addressed the matter by terminating the director and the entire team responsible for the dissemination of false information.
The minister’s decisive action aimed to send a clear message that such disinformation campaigns will not be tolerated, and steps will be taken to uphold journalistic ethics and maintain the reputation of national media outlets.
This incident has shed light on past practices during the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. It has been alleged that PTV, under his leadership, executed high-level propaganda operations against Saudi Arabia and its allies.
Additionally, it has been claimed that certain YouTube channels in Pakistan were funded and given a free hand to carry out similar disinformation campaigns during that time.
The dismissal of the director and the team responsible for the disinformation campaign is seen as a necessary step towards restoring trust and credibility in PTV. However, it also highlights the need for stronger checks and balances within media organizations to prevent the dissemination of false information and ensure ethical reporting.
Saudi Arabia, as a key ally of Pakistan, plays a crucial role in regional and international affairs. The false allegations made against the Kingdom not only harm diplomatic relations but also undermine the trust between the two nations.
PTV now faces the challenge of rebuilding its reputation and regaining the trust of the public. It is hoped that this incident will serve as a turning point in promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical journalism within Pakistan’s media landscape.
