The Ministry of Defense has raised serious concerns over the growing number of private social media pages, vloggers, and online platforms issuing unofficial weather forecasts without the necessary meteorological expertise or authorization. An official memo released this week revealed that more than 80 individuals and groups, including well-known names such as Weather Walay, Pakistan Doppler, and Weather Updates PK, have been disseminating unverified climate data and weather alerts across digital platforms. Officials stated that such activity often leads to unnecessary alarm and confusion among the public, particularly during periods of adverse weather conditions.
The ministry emphasized that only the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) is authorized to release official weather forecasts, warnings, and updates in the country. It said that any private or unverified weather predictions constitute a violation of both national meteorological regulations and international guidelines set by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The memo further stated that most of the equipment used by private weather enthusiasts is unregistered and fails to meet calibration requirements set under WMO standards. Additionally, many of the individuals operating such platforms lack formal meteorological training or certification, leading to potential misinterpretation of climate data and inconsistencies in public advisories.
In its directives, the Ministry of Defense has asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication to instruct their respective regulatory bodies to take swift action against the spread of misinformation through unauthorized forecasting channels. The ministry noted that the unchecked proliferation of such platforms not only undermines PMD’s institutional credibility but also poses challenges for disaster management authorities that depend on accurate and verified weather intelligence. It stressed that ensuring a unified and reliable source of weather data is vital for public safety, early warning systems, and coordinated disaster response efforts nationwide.
The memo also urged the Information Ministry to ensure that all licensed broadcasters, print media outlets, and digital platforms rely exclusively on official PMD bulletins for weather-related reporting. It advised that any references, visuals, or updates derived from PMD’s data must clearly credit the department as the official source. Furthermore, it recommended prohibiting the promotion or endorsement of private weather forecasts on social or mainstream media channels to prevent misinformation from reaching large audiences. Officials said that adherence to this directive will ensure that information shared with the public is based on scientific accuracy and institutional accountability.
This development highlights a growing regulatory focus on maintaining data integrity within Pakistan’s digital information ecosystem. As the use of social media for news and public alerts continues to expand, government institutions are increasingly prioritizing measures to curb misinformation, particularly in sectors like climate, health, and national security. By reasserting PMD’s exclusive mandate for meteorological reporting, the Ministry of Defense aims to reinforce public trust in verified weather data while promoting a responsible approach to digital information sharing across online platforms.
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