Lahore: Federal Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday issued a strong warning against the spread of misinformation, stressing that fake news would not be allowed to sow chaos in the country. Speaking at a detailed press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi urged citizens to report evidence-based concerns rather than circulating unverified allegations.
Naqvi, who earlier attended the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and met players from Sialkot and Karachi Blues, addressed matters related to governance, immigration, social media trends and federal–provincial coordination.
‘Will not allow chaos through fake news’
The interior minister said that while he supports freedom of expression, rampant misinformation on social media is causing “serious harm.”
“If there is evidence, then definitely inform us. Otherwise, we will not allow anyone to be accused without proof,” he said. “We will not allow chaos to be spread in the country through fake news.”
He added that authorities are actively monitoring online narratives and action would be taken against those spreading disinformation.
Visa misuse and offloading practices
Naqvi highlighted several alarming cases related to visa misuse, noting:
“A person who was going to Saudi Arabia on a driver’s visa did not even know how to drive.”
He acknowledged that “not everyone in the FIA is an angel” but maintained that accountability mechanisms were functioning.
He also addressed the increasing number of passengers being offloaded at airports, alleging that an “agent mafia” was misleading the public. He confirmed a recent incident involving an individual offloaded at Islamabad Airport.
Crackdown on illegal Afghans
Reiterating his earlier stance, Naqvi said illegal Afghan nationals must return voluntarily and with dignity.
“You were our guests. Those who have now been sent back — if they return illegally, we will punish them,” he warned.
Naqvi said Afghans involved in attacks on Islamabad and the Frontier Corps Headquarters had been identified. He announced that beginning this week, all SHOs would be responsible for tracing and deporting illegal Afghans.
He added that while three provinces were enforcing repatriation, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was not fully implementing federal directives, and some migrant camps ordered closed by the centre remained operational there.
“We cannot tolerate such situations anymore,” he said, adding that movement loopholes were allowing suspects to escape and security checks were being strengthened.
Naqvi assured the public that those holding valid visas and legitimate employment need not worry.
Earlier, Naqvi watched the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final at Gaddafi Stadium and met players from Sialkot and Karachi Blues, wishing both teams success.
