ISLAMABAD: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has become the latest victim of a deepfake video that went viral on social media following a controversy regarding her handshake with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Maryam faced criticism on the internet for a cordial handshake with the Emirati President, as several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters deemed it inappropriate.
Following the incident, pro-PTI accounts started sharing AI-generated photos and videos purporting to show CM Maryam leaping to embrace President Mohamed bin Zayed.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari takes on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for launching a smear campaign on Maryam Nawaz, the first-ever female chief minster of Punjab.
She was also negatively portrayed for her previous statement in which she said: “She was unable to meet with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials because they were na-mahram.”
Following the controversy, several senior PTI leaders including Salman Akram Raja and Sher Afzal Marwart voiced their displeasure at the issue’s sensationalization. However, PTI followers and certain journalists who support Imran Khan persisted in criticizing CM Maryam, accusing her of disregarding the nation’s cultural traditions.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally welcomed the President of the United Arab Emirates in Rahim Yar Khan along with the presence of CM Maryam Nawaz.
Azma Bukhari deepfake video controversy
Earlier, a deepfake video of Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari also went viral on social media.
As the case was taken to the authorities, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crimes Unit arrested Ali Hassan Toor, a key suspect in connection with her controversial video.
According to the FIA officials, Toor was attempting to flee the country from Sialkot Airport when he was arrested. Immigration authorities at the airport detained Toor and promptly alerted the Cyber Crimes Circle in Lahore.
Earlier, Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Justice Neelam ordered strict action against those responsible for the malicious video. The FIA has confirmed that the suspect is now in custody, and an investigation into the matter is underway.
