Sohail Warraich denies AI-generated video targeting Field Marshal Asim Munir

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 3 months ago |  JP Staff Report

ISLAMABAD — Prominent journalist and columnist Sohail Warraich has strongly denied the authenticity of an AI-generated video clip circulating online, calling it “fake and fabricated.”

In the short, manipulated clip, Warraich appears to be questioning Field Marshal Asim Munir about “undeniable May 9 proof” and how the officer responded. However, Warraich quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that the video was entirely artificial.

The veteran journalist has been at the center of a media storm in recent days after advising incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan to strike a deal with the establishment, secure his release from jail, remain silent, and let the current government function until the next general elections.

In his column titled “Musafir banam qaidi number 804”, Warriach appeared to warn Imran Khan that his life could be in danger if he refused to reconcile with the establishment. He drew parallels with the late Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who rose to power in 1971 with the military’s backing but was ousted in 1977 and executed in 1979. His stories were later denied by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The circulation of a fake AI video has only added fuel to the debate surrounding his views and raised fresh concerns about the growing problem of misinformation and deepfakes in Pakistani media.

Experts and press freedom advocates warn that the spread of AI-manipulated content not only damages the credibility of journalists but also misleads the public, further eroding trust in an already polarized media landscape. The Sohail Warraich controversy highlights the urgent need for stronger fact-checking, digital literacy, and accountability mechanisms to prevent the weaponization of technology against journalists.