FALSE NEWS

FALSE NEWS: Recently, a viral video circulating on social media falsely claimed that renowned Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram had suffered a heart attack. Concerned, I rushed to have the news verified through reliable fact-checking sources, and discovered that it was false. It was actually generated through artificial intelligence (AI). This incident highlights the growing threat of misinformation in the digital age. In the pursuit of likes, views and online attention, many individuals misuse the AI technology to create and disseminate false information. Such content can damage reputations, cause emotional distress, and generate unnecessary panic among the public. People should verify information before sharing it and rely on credible sources rather than sensational online claims. Shahque Hub TEST DATE: The date of Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) was rather abruptly extended by more than a month, from Aug 16 to Sept 20. The notification issued by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) cited no specific reason for it except that it has been instructed by the prime minister. This is called poor governance. The date of the test must have been fixed with the prior approval of the prime minister. Nobody knows who asked for this extension. The immediate reason could be the inability of some influential candidates to appear in the test prior to Sept 20. Who knows? Khawaja Tajammul Hussain Karachi DIFFERENCE IN AGENDA: The recent youth movement in India was characteristic of the phrase 'unity in diversity', featuring protesters from different classes, religions and ethnicities. In contrast, movements in Pakistan suffer from isolated agendas in different areas. Provincial agendas rather than genuine change-oriented movements are not going to work for the nation at large. Nations bring about real change only through collective efforts for the betterment of society and a national cause, not personal or individual agendas. Hamza Mustafa Soomro Shikarpur Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2026