Controversy Erupts Over AI Use in Pakistani Newspaper's Article

The use of artificial intelligence in journalism has come under scrutiny following a controversial incident involving the Pakistani newspaper Dawn. An article published on November 12 included an AI-generated prompt at its conclusion, leading to widespread criticism and trolling on social media. Readers expressed their disappointment, with many vowing to stop reading the publication. This incident highlights the importance of human insight in media content, especially when AI is involved. Dawn, known for its reputable journalism since its inception in 1941, now faces a significant backlash due to this misstep. Explore the details of this unfolding story and its implications for the future of journalism.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 13, 2026, 14:29 IST

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Media

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves across the globe, and the media sector is no exception. Various news outlets are increasingly incorporating AI into their content creation processes. However, given that AI operates on machine-generated knowledge, caution is essential in its application, especially when media outlets provide information that requires human insight and understanding.

The Incident with Dawn Newspaper

A recent incident involving the Pakistani newspaper Dawn has sparked widespread criticism. Known for its reputable content, the newspaper faced backlash after publishing an article on November 12 that included a prompt generated by AI at the end. This revelation led to a wave of trolling on social media, with many users expressing their disappointment and vowing to stop reading the publication.

Accidental Disclosure of AI Usage

A social media user shared a clip of the November 12 article from Dawn, which featured various business insights. However, the article concluded with a remark from ChatGPT, stating that it could create an entire front-page article with statistics and infographics to engage readers. This blatant use of AI without any input from a human business journalist raised eyebrows and prompted ridicule from the public.

Dawn's Historical Background

Dawn is recognized as Pakistan's oldest newspaper, having been launched in Delhi in 1941. Following the partition, its printing operations moved to Lahore, transitioning from a weekly to a daily publication. This incident, stemming from a single error, has led to significant trolling of the esteemed newspaper.