Maleeka Bokhari, a former lawmaker, and legal affairs spokeswoman for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has become the victim of dirty deepfake propaganda when video footage attributed to her leaked online today depicting a woman in a compromising position.
People were buzzing over the alleged film on social media after discovering that a video of a woman wearing a provocative dress had been shared on Twitter, Reddit, and other platforms. The model in the video is showing off her alluring charm.
The official feed of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf slammed the ruling PML-N for the act, which others referred to as “deepfake technology.”
In this context, a tweet was published claiming that social media accounts affiliated with the PML-N are disseminating fake information, and attributing a photo and deepfake video of an Indian model to Ms. Maleeka Bokhari. Actually, an Indian model is being blatantly depicted as Maleeka Bokhari in a character-assassination effort by PDM and its Lifafas, according to the tweet.
🚨: Social media accounts linked to PMLN are spreading fake propaganda, and attributing a picture and video of an Indian model to @MalBokhari.
Actually it’s an Indian model which is shamelessly being portrayed as Maleeka Bokhari in a character-assassination campaign by PDM and…
— PTI (@PTIofficial) April 22, 2023
As the clips triggered new debate, PTI supporters, journalists, and activists took to Twitter to express sympathy with the former Member of the National Assembly.
I have just been informed about a malicious deepfake video campaign being waged against Maleeka Bokhari, a sisterly figure who has always remained strong and loyal to Khan during challenging times. Maleeka, stay strong and know that you can always count on us. We stand with you!
— Kamran Bangash 🇵🇰 (@kamrankbangash) April 23, 2023
I strongly condemn campaign against @MalBokhari she is a woman of substance and role model for young people. Look at her work experience and education mashallah, she will achieve more ia.
Stay strong ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/CGJY8Z3pbc— Javeria Siddique (@javerias) April 23, 2023
Such modified videos, images, and audio recordings of politicians shed a negative light on them, while the government and opposition have traded blame for such leaks; yet, all parties are victims of leaks and such propaganda, which discredits them.
With a flood of audio leaks, including adult conversations, surfacing in the previous year, social media users are also aware that such acts look to be a ploy to harm politicians’ reputations.
Left-wing supporters even allege that foreign agencies are behind such campaigns, however, it shows the incompetence of the administration that resulted in these leaks as no action has been taken over the months.
