Karachi (GNP): AI-Edited Images have become central to a legal dispute in Pakistan after former Sindh minister Ghulam Rasool Unnar approached a sessions court in Karachi seeking registration of a criminal case against his former wife over alleged image manipulation, fabricated social-media content, threats and harassment.
According to the application reported by Dawn, Unnar alleged that he had first come into contact with his former wife through social media and that photographs shared with him before their marriage had been altered using artificial intelligence. He claimed that he discovered the alleged manipulation only after meeting her in person following their marriage.
The case highlights a growing challenge created by rapidly developing artificial intelligence technology: the ability to manipulate photographs and other digital content in ways that can make altered material appear authentic.
Unnar told the court that he had communicated with the woman through social media before they married through a video call. He alleged that she had not revealed her face during the ceremony and had previously shared photographs that he later claimed were filtered or altered using AI technology. These allegations remain claims made by the applicant and have not been established by the court.
The former minister further alleged that after the marriage and subsequent separation, fabricated images and false information about him were circulated on social media. He also alleged that he received abusive and threatening messages through WhatsApp and that demands for money were made against him.
The allegations demonstrate how AI-Edited Images can create problems that extend beyond technology itself. When manipulated photographs are presented as genuine, they can potentially affect personal relationships, reputations and legal disputes.
The case also illustrates the difficulties facing law-enforcement agencies and courts as digital technology develops faster than traditional methods of verifying evidence.
Unnar approached the sessions court seeking registration of an FIR under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, commonly known as PECA. He asked the court to direct the relevant police authorities to record his statement and register a case concerning the alleged online activities.
Following the hearing, Additional District and Sessions Judge (South) Muhammad Aslam Sheikh issued notices to the SSP Complaint Cell, the SHO of the Defence police station and the proposed accused. The court directed the concerned authorities to submit their responses before the next hearing on August 17.
The court’s action does not establish the allegations as fact. Rather, the proceedings provide an opportunity for the relevant authorities and the proposed accused to respond before the matter proceeds further.
The development is significant because AI-Edited Images are becoming increasingly accessible. Artificial intelligence tools that were previously available mainly to professional designers and technology specialists can now be used by ordinary internet users to modify photographs, generate realistic faces and create synthetic visual material.
This creates new opportunities for creativity and communication but also introduces serious challenges concerning authenticity and trust.
For Pakistan, the issue is particularly relevant as social-media use continues to expand. Images and videos can spread rapidly through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp and X. Once manipulated material becomes viral, correcting the record can be considerably more difficult than creating the false content in the first place.
The legal dispute therefore raises broader questions about digital literacy. Citizens increasingly need the ability to evaluate whether online content is authentic before believing or sharing it.
Schools and universities could play an important role by incorporating digital-literacy education into their curricula. Students should learn how manipulated photographs, deepfakes and synthetic media can be created and, more importantly, how questionable content can be verified.
Journalists also face a growing responsibility. News organizations must establish stronger verification procedures for photographs, videos and social-media material before publishing them. In an environment where AI can make fabricated material increasingly convincing, traditional assumptions about the authenticity of digital images are no longer sufficient.
Technology companies also have a role to play. Clearer labeling of AI-generated material, improved detection systems and mechanisms for reporting manipulated content could help reduce potential abuse.
At the same time, legal frameworks need to remain capable of addressing emerging forms of digital misconduct while protecting legitimate expression and individual rights.
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The Karachi proceedings provide a timely example of how artificial intelligence is moving from a technological discussion into everyday social and legal disputes. What once seemed like a futuristic concern is increasingly becoming a practical challenge for individuals, institutions and courts.
The case involving AI-Edited Images is still at an early stage, and the allegations will require appropriate investigation and legal consideration. The court has not determined criminal liability, and the response of the proposed accused remains part of the ongoing proceedings.
Nevertheless, the development serves as a reminder that technological progress brings responsibilities alongside opportunities.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into everyday digital life, Pakistan will need stronger digital awareness, effective legal mechanisms and responsible use of emerging technologies.
The ability to create realistic digital content can be beneficial when used for education, creativity and innovation. But when manipulated content is allegedly used to deceive, threaten or damage someone’s reputation, the consequences can extend far beyond the digital world.
The Karachi case therefore represents more than a personal legal dispute. It reflects a broader challenge facing modern societies: how to maintain trust and accountability in an era when seeing an image online is no longer necessarily evidence that the image represents reality.
