ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Munir Akram, has called for an internationally binding framework to combat disinformation and cyber warfare during a session at the UN Security Council. Akram highlighted Pakistan’s experiences as a victim of disinformation campaigns and emphasized the urgent need for a global agreement based on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) guidelines.
Referring to reports from EU DisinfoLab in 2019 and 2020, Akram presented evidence of extensive disinformation operations against Pakistan. These operations involved fake NGOs, media outlets, and websites aimed at manipulating global perceptions, even fabricating identities of deceased individuals.
Akram underscored the significance of addressing disinformation globally, advocating for a legally binding document aligned with UN Charter principles like sovereignty and non-interference. He referenced Pakistan’s sponsored UN General Assembly resolution focused on countering disinformation to safeguard human rights and international cooperation.
In addition to legal frameworks, Akram proposed confidence-building measures (CBMs) among nations, including voluntary information exchanges and enhanced international collaboration. He praised initiatives like the Global Points of Contact Directory for ICT Security as steps toward fostering trust and cooperation in cyberspace.
Pakistan’s envoy reiterated the country’s commitment to utilizing digital technologies for socio-economic progress and effective governance, underscoring the importance of an inclusive international framework to address cyber threats comprehensively.
