The Rise of Fake News on Social Media and Its Alarming Impact

The Rise of Fake News on Social Media and Its Alarming Impact

By Abu Hasnan

In the age of instant information, social media has become both a powerful communication tool and a breeding ground for misinformation. Recently, a video began circulating across various platforms showing Rescue 1122 personnel pulling a man out of a river. At first glance, it appeared to be a heroic act of emergency response. However, within hours, the video attracted waves of criticism from social media users, journalists, and political activists. They labeled it a “fake rescue operation,” alleging that it was staged in Swat to improve the department’s image amid public criticism.

A Storm of Doubt

The accusations were not without context. Earlier in June 2025, during heavy monsoon rains, a group of tourists from Punjab drowned in Swat after being caught in a sudden flash flood while taking photos by the river. The tragedy sparked intense backlash against the rescue department, with many blaming it for delayed response and mismanagement. So when the viral rescue video surfaced, skeptics were quick to assume it was a public relations stunt aimed at damage control.

Truth Uncovered

Upon investigation, it was revealed that the video was not from Swat but from Swabi, another district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Through careful analysis of visuals, location metadata, and official confirmation, it was verified that this was indeed a genuine rescue operation. The man in the video was identified as Yaseen, a visitor from Peshawar who became trapped in the fast currents of the Indus River. He remained in danger for nearly four hours before Rescue 1122 teams successfully pulled him to safety.

According to Luqman Khan, a spokesperson for Rescue 1122 in Swabi, the operation was part of their routine emergency response and involved real risks. “It’s disheartening,” he said, “when the courage and efforts of our field teams are dismissed as fake, especially when lives are truly at stake.”

Why Fake News Hurts More Than Just the Truth

The spread of misinformation has far-reaching consequences. When false claims about real-life rescue operations go viral, they don’t just discredit an organization—they undermine public trust. In times of crisis, trust in emergency services is crucial. Doubting their credibility can lead to dangerous delays, hesitation, or even refusal to seek help.

Senior journalist Rafaqat Ullah Razarwal emphasized that misinformation, particularly in such sensitive matters, erodes institutional credibility and creates confusion among the public. "Fake news is not just a distortion of reality," he says, "it’s an attack on public confidence and professional integrity."

Legal and Civil Responses to Fake News

Pakistan has laws in place to address the problem of misinformation. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 outlines penalties under Sections 20 and 24 for spreading false information and cybercrimes. Additionally, Section 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) enables legal action against individuals involved in the dissemination of rumors and false statements.

Alongside legal measures, several independent organizations have taken on the task of combating fake news. Fact-checking bodies like Soch Fact Check, Fact Focus, Media Matters for Democracy, and Digital Rights Foundation play a crucial role in verifying claims, training journalists, and raising public awareness.

What Journalists Can Do

According to broadcast journalist and media trainer Bushra Iqbal, fighting fake news begins with journalistic instinct. “If a piece of information feels unusual, question it. Understand where it’s coming from and why it's being shared.” She stresses the importance of source verification and recommends that journalists confirm any story through at least three independent sources—such as official documents, relevant authorities, or neutral third-party observers.

Bushra also warns against over-reliance on superficial research. “Don’t just trust Google or Wikipedia. Go to official websites, verified institutional contacts, and maintain clear records of your communications—including times, places, and contact details. These habits protect not just your story, but your integrity.”

Conclusion

The growing influence of social media demands a greater sense of responsibility—both from those who consume content and those who create it. The recent false allegations surrounding a real rescue mission serve as a reminder that truth can easily be overshadowed by speculation. As digital citizens and storytellers, we must strive for accuracy, accountability, and empathy.

In a world full of noise, truth still matters. And it is our collective responsibility to ensure it is heard.