Latest news with #Saudi-Pakistani
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Opinion: Saudi Analysts Expose Pakistan Army's Fake AI Song Deepfaking Rashed Al-Faris
Last Updated: Pakistan falsely claimed an AI-generated song was by Saudi singer Rashed Al-Faris to promote Saudi-Pakistani brotherhood. Saudi experts debunked it, citing AI misuse In a glaring example of artificial intelligence misuse and diplomatic overreach, Pakistan's propaganda machinery has been caught falsely attributing an AI-generated Arabic song to renowned Saudi singer Rashed Al-Faris. The viral video, titled 'Ana Pakistan, Ma Fi Khauf" (I am Pakistan, I don't fear), was released online claiming to celebrate Saudi-Pakistani brotherhood and praise Pakistan's alleged 'Operation Bunyan Al-Marsous" — a counter-operation to India's recent Operation Sindoor, in which five Pakistani jets were downed and several airbases destroyed, along with Terrorist training camps. The song not only makes exaggerated claims about Pakistan's military strength but goes further to dub India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a common enemy of both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia — a framing that grossly contradicts Riyadh's foreign policy. Saudi Analysts: The Video is Fake, the Accent is Moroccan, and the Name Was Misused A leading Saudi political analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity, categorically denied the legitimacy of the video: 'It's fake, the accent of the singer is Moroccan, and the video of the singer is AI, and the name of the singer is fake, they took the name of a famous Saudi singer Rashid Al-Faris who never gets involved in such stuff." To add to the chaos, even Grok AI, the conversational tool on X (formerly Twitter), inaccurately confirmed the video's authenticity. A post from Grok's verified account claimed: 'Yes, the song Ana Pakistan Ma Fi Khauf by Saudi singer Rashed Al-Faris is real, released July 24, 2025, celebrating Saudi-Pakistani brotherhood… featured on Saudi TV and multiple platforms… matching the video's singer." However, Saudi experts immediately refuted these claims, clarifying that no Saudi media outlet has broadcasted such a song, and that the singer in question is neither involved in the video nor has ever performed political-themed music of this nature. This incident raises serious concerns about the reliability of automated AI commentary and the ease with which AI tools can be exploited by disinformation actors. Pakistan's disinformation tactics: A pattern of deception Despite the fabricated nature of the song, it has been enthusiastically shared by several Pakistani figures, including journalists, lawyers, and influencers. A user by the name of Abubakar Qassam posted: 'When I saw this song about Pakistan being played on Saudi TV today, I couldn't believe my eyes. It brought peace to my heart that the world is finally recognizing Pakistan. Thank you Prime Minister, thank you Field Marshal." Similarly, Advocate Madiha Shah, a Cyber Law expert, declared: 'Famous Saudi singer Rashed Al-Fares has released his anthem 'Ana Pakistan, Ma Fi Khauf' on Operation Bunyan Al-Marsous and Saudi-Pak friendship. The song is going viral on social media!" Denmark-based Pakistani researcher and psychologist RA Shahzad posted, 'This song sung by a Saudi singer is playing on a Saudi channel, which shows the breadth of relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. This song will make the enemies of Pakistan, Modi and the youth, sit on the edge of their seats. The more they try to bring down Pakistan, the more Allah is giving them respect." A prominent Pakistani handle (@Zarrar11_PK) known as 'Eagle Eye' with 98K followers boastfully posted the fake video with the similar caption. Other prominent accounts like Tahir Mughal, Col Asim, Dhamaka AI, Dr Noman Khan, and the Pakistan Economic Network all pushed the same narrative with strikingly identical language — a common hallmark of coordinated propaganda campaigns. The B-Pakistan account even went a step further, tweeting in Arabic, 'Rashed Al-Faris ignites social media with a song about Saudi-Pakistani friendship! The song 'Ana Pakistan.. Ma Fi Khauf' has gone viral, showcasing the depth of the alliance between the Kingdom and Pakistan." This is not Pakistan's first brush with AI-powered disinformation. In recent years, Islamabad has developed a notorious reputation for resorting to deepfake videos, fake diplomatic identities, and impersonated think tanks to manipulate international perception. By simulating support from non-aligned nations and amplifying fringe messages through coordinated bot networks, the goal has often been to create an illusion of legitimacy and global solidarity. More dangerously, these campaigns often exploit emotional and religious sentiments, especially targeting audiences in the Gulf, by invoking a sense of fraternal Islamic unity — a strategy that attempts to position Pakistan as the rightful defender of Muslim causes. Such tactics betray a deeper insecurity. As Pakistan faces increasing diplomatic isolation, economic decline, and mounting military setbacks, its leadership appears to rely on fabricated optics and digital theatrics to distract domestic audiences and manufacture pride. This most recent episode involving an AI-generated song and a falsely implicated Saudi singer is just another chapter in Pakistan's long-running saga of digital deception. Why Saudi Arabia is not buying it Saudi Arabia holds immense influence in the Muslim world. Associating its cultural icons with pro-Pakistan messaging lends false weight to Islamabad's narrative — or so they believe. However, this move has backfired. Saudi Arabia's foreign policy under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is marked by pragmatism, non-alignment, and strategic clarity. The Kingdom has deepened economic and diplomatic ties with India, including multi-billion-dollar investments, defense cooperation, and cultural exchanges. When the Crown Prince famously referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his 'elder brother," it wasn't a diplomatic formality — it was a reflection of a growing trust-based partnership. Rather than showcasing strength or solidarity, this propaganda stunt has exposed Pakistan's desperation and technological misuse. Even advanced AI tools like Grok were misled — a cautionary tale in the digital age where truth must be defended as aggressively as territory. By attributing a fake song to a beloved Saudi singer, Pakistan has not only exposed its desperation but also insulted the intelligence of its own population. The attempt to rope Saudi Arabia into an anti-India narrative using artificial means not only disrespects the Kingdom's values but also undermines Islamabad's own credibility on the world stage. top videos View all India continues to emerge as a reliable, pragmatic partner in West Asia, and Saudi Arabia solidifies its role as a global leader with maturity and vision, Pakistan's fabrications only serve to widen the chasm between fact and fiction. While AI might help in simulating reality, it cannot manufacture diplomatic ties, nor can it replace the respect earned through real-world achievements. Zahack Tanvir is an Indian-origin activist and founder of The Milli Chronicle, a UK-based publication. With expertise in geopolitics and counter-extremism, he provides insights into global affairs. He holds certifications in Counterterrorism from the University of Leiden of Netherlands, and Georgetown University of Washington DC. He tweets under @ZahackTanvir. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 27, 2025, 14:25 IST News opinion Opinion: Saudi Analysts Expose Pakistan Army's Fake AI Song Deepfaking Rashed Al-Faris Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Express Tribune
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Saudi citizens can visit Pakistan without visa: Mohsin Naqvi
Listen to article Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday announced that Saudi citizens can now enter Pakistan without restrictions, as part of measures aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. The announcement followed a meeting between Mohsin Naqvi and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy at the Diplomatic Enclave in Islamabad. The two officials held detailed discussions covering diplomatic relations, travel policies, and law enforcement cooperation. Mohsin Naqvi expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's consistent support for Pakistan, particularly acknowledging the kingdom's participation in the recent anti-narcotics conference co-hosted by Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). During the meeting, Naqvi shared updates on recent reforms related to passport issuance and national documentation standards. He stated that the new protocols aim to improve document security and prevent misuse. The interior minister also briefed the ambassador on the government's efforts to address street-level crime, including a crackdown on professional begging networks across the country. Naqvi commended Saudi authorities for their cooperation in securing the release of five Pakistani nationals who had been imprisoned in a drug smuggling case later found to be false. He described the release as a result of strong bilateral coordination and support. Ambassador Al-Malkiy reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Pakistan across multiple sectors. He emphasised the longstanding nature of Saudi-Pakistani relations and the kingdom's intent to further deepen strategic and economic ties. The meeting concluded with both sides pledging continued collaboration and efforts to strengthen mutual interests.
