Web Desk
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested the individual responsible for circulating edited images of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, according to News Reporter. The suspect, Bilal Malik, was taken into custody by the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing in Lahore.
Malik is accused of launching a smear campaign against Maryam Nawaz and the President of the UAE, using manipulated photos that spread widely on social media platforms. The FIA initiated an investigation after a request from the Punjab government.
The photos, which falsely show Maryam Nawaz alongside the UAE President, were shared extensively online. The FIA has confirmed that it will take legal action against those involved in uploading and sharing the fake images.
As part of its investigation, the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing will conduct inquiries nationwide, including in Lahore. The agency has warned that anyone found guilty of spreading false information will face legal consequences.
The rise of deepfakes, which use artificial intelligence (AI) to alter audio, photos, and videos, has made it easier to create convincing yet harmful fake content. This technology has raised growing concerns.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari, herself a victim of an objectionable deepfake video, emphasized the seriousness of the issue. Speaking to AFP, Bokhari shared the emotional impact it had on her, stating, “I was shattered when I found out,” and described the difficulty of dealing with the situation.
Bokhari, one of Pakistan’s few female leaders, also stressed the need for increased awareness of deepfake videos. She called for the modernization of both the judiciary and police systems to address this issue, highlighting that deepfakes are often used to discredit women.
The FIA’s actions, combined with Bokhari’s call for reform, underscore the need for stronger measures to combat the spread of false and damaging content online.
