Mastering Narratives: Navigating Disinformation and Reshaping Perceptions for Pakistan‘s Future

A seminar titled, Mastering Narratives: Navigating Disinformation and Reshaping Perceptions for Pakistan‘s Future‘ was organised by the Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, on 25 January 2024. The seminar commenced with a keynote address by Mr Amir Jahangir, CEO of Mishal Pakistan. It was followed by insightful presentations delivered by two eminent speakers, Dr Zeeshan Zaigham, Assistant Professor, Beaconhouse National University (BNU) and Ms Amber Shamsi, Director of Centre of Excellence for Journalism (CEJ). An extensive Q&A session and concluding remarks by Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President, CASS Lahore, rounded up the seminar.

 

In her introductory remarks, Ms Nidaa Shahid, Senior Researcher at CASS, Lahore, highlighted the evolving nature of warfare, particularly the transition to the 5th generation, characterised by strategic use of deception, disinformation, and miscommunication. She emphasised the power of storytelling, recognising its significance in shaping societal understanding and connections. However, she warned about the darker side of storytelling, citing the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict as an example of how media manipulation can play a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions within the framework of 5GW.

 

Ms Shahid illustrated how adversarial states employ 5GW against Pakistan, creating misperceptions in various domains, such as the Pakistani nuclear programme, and level allegations of harbouring terrorists, etc. She pointed out the role of social media platforms as breeding grounds for disinformation campaigns that tarnish Pakistan’s global image. Expressing concern for the susceptibility of Pakistani youth to hostile narratives, she stressed the critical importance of media literacy and digital resilience in countering the destructive influences of disinformation and contributing to a positive national narrative.

 

In his keynote address on “Disinformation in the Media Age: Global Trends and their Implications on Perceptions and Narratives,” Mr Jahangir provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of disinformation. Acknowledging the strategic role of narrative building, he connected disinformation to the concept of 5GW, emphasising its historical references. Mr Jahangir shed light on the global and regional internet landscapes, highlighting the potential of internet adoption in shaping perceptions and narratives, particularly in regions like South Asia.

 

Turning to Pakistan’s digital scenario, he underscored the digital divide within the country despite a youthful demographic. Mr Jahangir explored the profound changes in cyberspace, introducing the concept of mixed reality and its impact on individual perceptions of reality. He emphasised the pivotal role individuals play in generating data, leading to the subjective nature of information’s significance tied to individual experiences.

 

Discussing the credibility of information sources, Mr Jahangir stressed the importance of trustworthy information for societal benefit, economic decision-making, and political wisdom. He introduced the concept of information disorders, categorising them into misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information, highlighting their potential impacts on creating chaos and uncertainty.

 

The transformative impact of digitalisation on a country’s potential to shape global narratives was a focal point, with Mr Jahangir pointing out South Asia’s potential influence surpassing that of the US and Europe. He addressed the consequences of the growing disparity between freely available information and knowledge with a cost, projecting it as a critical concern for 2024.

 

Referring to the 2024 Global Risk Report, Mr Jahangir identified misinformation and disinformation as the foremost risks with far-reaching impacts on social issues. He emphasised the interconnected nature of global events, particularly in the context of upcoming elections in over 60 countries in 2024. The primary causes of misinformation, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, censorship, cybersecurity, societal polarisation, and technological power concentration, were outlined as critical factors that demand effective management to prevent their concentration in the hands of a select few.

 

In conclusion, Mr Jahangir highlighted the potential impacts of misinformation and disinformation, ranging from societal polarisation to interstate conflicts. He stressed the interconnectedness of these outcomes and the need for comprehensive strategies to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the manipulation of information in the contemporary digital age.

 

Dr Zaighum’s comprehensive analysis delved into the intricate dynamics of 5GW, focusing on its impact on Pakistan’s national security and cohesion. Dr Zaighum elucidated the spheres of information warfare, emphasising its political nature and highlighting the vulnerabilities within Pakistan’s relationships between the government, military, and public.

 

The speaker navigated through the conceptual understanding of 5GW, drawing a distinction from traditional warfare by targeting relationships rather than engaging in direct military conflict. Dr Zaighum underscored Pakistan’s susceptibility to disinformation tactics, exploiting fault lines within society such as linguistic, religious, and ideological divisions. He provided insights into recent patterns and tactics employed in 5GW, with a focus on human rights and state narratives, demonstrating how propaganda and deception are used to manipulate perceptions and undermine state institutions.

 

Moreover, Dr Zaighum highlighted a detailed case study on Balochistan, illustrating the orchestration of narratives by shadow organisations and foreign actors to shape public perception. He highlighted the challenges in countering disinformation, emphasising the widespread lack of global knowledge and the “wannabe syndrome” as contributing factors.

 

In conclusion, Dr Zaighum’s presentation provided a nuanced understanding of the complexities of 5GW and its implications for Pakistan. By dissecting prevalent patterns of information warfare and offering strategic recommendations, he underscored the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in safeguarding Pakistan’s national interests and societal fabric in the face of evolving threats in the digital age.

 

Ms Shamsi shared insights on countering disinformation and safeguarding narratives in Pakistan. Drawing on her experience as the director of the Center of Excellence for Journalism (CEJ), she highlighted the growing challenges posed by information disorder and misinformation. Ms Shamsi emphasised the significance of new media as the credibility of traditional news outlets dwindles, citing surveys that reveal a lack of faith in mainstream media. She underscored the youth’s susceptibility to disinformation, particularly in the context of evolving technology, AI-generated content, and the prevalence of social media.

 

Discussing the increasing internet pervasiveness in Pakistan, Ms Shamsi pointed out that there has been a rise in broadband users, which accentuates the impact of social media on mainstream information consumption. She addressed the challenges associated with social media platforms, focusing on YouTube and TikTok, and highlighted recent trigger events where disinformation played a role in shaping public opinion. The Balochistan case and the role of foreign actors were cited as examples, showcasing the complexity of disinformation campaigns.

 

Ms Shamsi outlined different types of disinformation, including misleading content, satire, AI-generated content, and manipulated visuals. She identified threat actors such as political parties, extremist groups, and foreign governments contributing to information manipulation. Astroturfing, or artificial amplification, and the exploitation of biases and emotions were discussed as tactics employed by disinformation campaigns.

 

Ms Shamsi emphasised the role of civil society, news media, and government in countering disinformation. The importance of education, fact-checking, and initiatives were highlighted as effective measures. Ms Shamsi also introduced the concept of “pre-bunking” and discussed challenges faced by Pakistan, including data deficiencies and unresponsiveness from government officials. She stressed the urgency of addressing these challenges to prevent disinformation from becoming a predominant concern in Pakistan. She advocated for a multifaceted approach involving credibility building, education, bridging information gaps, and effective law enforcement to combat the pervasive issue of misinformation in the country.

 

During the Q&A session, various critical issues were addressed by the speakers, shedding light on challenges and potential strategies for Pakistan’s development, education, and information landscape. In response to concerns about Pakistan’s educational landscape compared to India’s, Mr Jahangir highlighted the need for improved data utilisation and comprehensive restructuring of the education budget. He stressed the importance of aligning educational frameworks with the evolving job landscape to enhance competitiveness. On the issue of brain drain, both Mr Jahangir and Dr Zaighum discussed the changing trends in employment choices among young Pakistanis. They emphasised the importance of proactive education and positioning the youth in the global job market. Additionally, Mr Jahangir advocated for a more comprehensive approach to education beyond short-term skill-based learning. Addressing misinformation challenges, Ms Shamsi underscored the importance of relying on non-partisan, independent media organisations and urged the participants to consult multiple sources for a comprehensive understanding of the truth. Mr Jahangir emphasised the role of civil society in holding state actors accountable for misinformation, while Dr Zaighum discussed the nuanced nature of truth, rejecting the idea of a singular, objective truth. Regarding addressing misinformation from neighbouring countries, Ms Shamsi suggested responding quickly with credibility, relying on independent media outlets. Dr Zaighum proposed a counter-offensive approach and the development of pre-emptive narratives to shape news events proactively. Mr Jahangir highlighted the role of think tanks in developing comprehensive plans for governments.

 

In his closing statements, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President, CASS Lahore emphasised the critical link between truth, community prosperity, and respect. He highlighted that in the contemporary tech-driven era, terms like rumours, misinformation, and disinformation wield significant influence, often underestimated in daily life. Reflecting on insights from the seminar, the President underscored the strategic role of disinformation in shaping narratives, particularly in the context of 5GW. He pointed out that malicious actors are exploiting vulnerabilities in interconnected societies, fostering mistrust and polarisation. The integration of AI, especially generative tools like ChatGPT, introduces complexities in differentiating AI-generated content from reality, posing a substantial global risk.

 

Acknowledging the adversaries’ manipulation of media narratives, particularly through social media, the President highlighted the urgent need for media literacy and digital resilience. Swift dissemination of false narratives, particularly targeting the youth, necessitates empowering them with critical scrutiny skills and awareness of credible sources. The socio-political divides fuelled by disinformation elevate the risk of domestic instability and atrocities. Emphasising the intricate human dynamics in the digital battlefield, the President stressed the importance of understanding these complexities as a fundamental step in devising effective strategies. In conclusion, he called for a collective and proactive response, urging the audience to embrace insights and leverage ethical journalism to counter disinformation. The goal, as the President highlighted, is to pave the way for a brighter and more resilient future for Pakistan.