YORK: Munir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, demanded a framework to combat campaigns of disinformation and cyberwarfare.
Speaking during the High-Level Open Debate on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Addressing Evolving Threats in Cyberspace” held by the Security Council, Akram said the following.
Reiterating that a number of nations, including Pakistan, have experienced misinformation, the envoy underscored the need for a legally binding international agreement based on the principles furnished by information and communication technologies (ICTs).
In his explanation, Akram cited findings from EU DisinfoLab from 2019 and 2020, which revealed cyberwarfare and other forms of anti-Pakistan propaganda.
He stated: “The 2019 report provided proof of 15 years of massive disinformation operations against Pakistan, involving more than 10 so-called NGOs fraudulently accredited to the UN Human Rights Council, over 750 fake media outlets, and 550 fake websites, even resurrecting dead people.”
The Pakistani envoy emphasized the need for international attention to the EU DisinfoLab’s exposé on disinformation efforts.
Additionally, Ambassador Akram spoke about the UN General Assembly resolution “Countering Disinformation for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,” which was sponsored by Pakistan.
He said that this resolution upholds states’ obligations to combat misinformation that threatens international harmony and collaboration.
Additionally, he clarified the lack of accountability in legal papers and made the case that the framework ought to be in line with UN values.
