Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has rebuffed widespread speculation regarding the delay in issuance of the notification of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) — a top military post created under the recently passed 27th Constitutional Amendment — saying that creation of a new system cannot be done simply by “pressing a button”. “[…] let these people speculate for a few [more] days. Changes have been made to the Constitution, and a new institution is being established. They [rumour mongers] believe such things can be done simply by pressing a button. When a new system is established, it takes time,” the security czar said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Monday. “Those who are minting money out of this [speculations regarding CDF appointment] — let them,” the interior minister quipped. In a similar statement, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday dismissed speculation about a notification for the appointment of the CDF, saying the announcement will be made in due time. The government introduced the CDF post through the 27th Constitutional Amendment earlier this month. “There is unnecessary and irresponsible speculation about CDF notification. Please be informed that the process has been initiated. PM is returning shortly,” Asif wrote in a post on X. The defence minister said a notification in this regard would be issued in due course, emphasising that there was “no room for conjecture Addressing the presser, the security czar said that the federal government, in coordination with the Information Ministry and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), will launch large-scale action against the spread of fake news on social media. Naqvi claimed that “90% of news on social media in recent days and weeks is fake”, and stressed the need for stronger measures to curb misinformation. He, however, maintained that the government believed in freedom of expression and the right to criticise. The minister said that clear mechanisms already exist for addressing false reporting in mainstream media, noting that complaints can be lodged with the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra). “One can post any photo, make news as per their wish and put it up,” he added.
CDF notification cannot be issued simply by pressing a button, Naqvi on delay rumours
