Tahir Maqsood Cheena, Hafeez Ahmed Khan, Mubashar Nadeem
When Chairman Imran Khan referred to the survey data of Republic Policy in May 2023 to emphasize his public popularity, the reference became a turning point that unleashed a wave of propaganda campaigns against the think tank. Political opponents and certain segments of the media, most notably GEO News, attempted to cast doubt on the institution’s credibility. The assault did not remain limited to televised allegations; our websites were hacked, and valuable data and research reports were deliberately erased. The damage forced us to reconstruct our research base from the ground up, an exhausting but necessary endeavor to preserve the integrity of our mission.
Republic Policy is not a commercial venture. It is an autonomous, nonprofit, research-driven think tank built to serve public interest rather than political expediency or financial profit. The institution is composed of retired civil servants, seasoned professionals, lawyers, academics, and political experts whose collective mission is to study governance, democracy, law, federalism, and public policy with honesty and transparency. Unlike commercial broadcasters that thrive on advertising revenues and sensationalism, Republic Policy exists only to collect data, analyze it, and present policy research based on evidence. Its strength lies in its independence and transparency, which cannot be compromised by media campaigns driven by vested interests.
Please, visit Republic Policy Organization webcite:
The allegations advanced by GEO were not supported by any investigation or direct engagement with our team.Yes, I was contacted by GEO; however, it did not wait for our comprehensive report and produced the private discussion for their own motives. Similarly, no effort was made to examine the methodology we employ, the credibility of the researchers who form our backbone, or the nonprofit nature of our work. Instead, propaganda was spread to undermine an organization that functions on academic credibility and scholarly integrity. GEO, as a commercial infotainment entity, has long been questioned for the accuracy and impartiality of its coverage. In contrast, Republic Policy’s role has always been one of providing in-depth, factual, and impartial data to policymakers and the public.
Republic Policy’s value lies in its pioneering approach to constituency-level surveys. While most political surveys in Pakistan limit themselves to broad claims about the popularity of a leader or a party, Republic Policy developed a new dimension by focusing on the unique dynamics of each constituency. In a parliamentary system where 266 National Assembly constituencies determine the future of governance, such micro-level surveys are indispensable. They examine the social, political, and economic currents at play within individual constituencies, presenting a scientific picture of the electoral landscape. These surveys are not designed merely to project numbers but to equip political parties, civil society, and policymakers with realistic assessments of the democratic process.
Please, read the RP survey report of 2024 elections:
The credibility of Republic Policy has not gone unnoticed. Even when hostile media attempted to discredit the institution, political stakeholders acknowledged the reliability of its surveys. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, for example, recognized Republic Policy’s constituency-based surveys as legitimate indicators of public sentiment, often citing them in political narratives. Bureaucracy, media, professionals and political pundits also recognize the constituency based work of republic policy. It was for the very first time, that Republic Policy introduced the constituency based survey. This acknowledgment serves as proof that, despite media-driven controversies, Republic Policy’s methodology and commitment to evidence-based analysis command respect in political and academic circles.
The institution’s resilience in the face of attacks further demonstrates its credibility. After our websites were hacked and our reports were erased, the team did not falter. With determination, Republic Policy rebuilt its research base, restructured its databases, and reissued surveys with renewed commitment to accuracy and transparency. This perseverance reflects the seriousness of our mission. For Republic Policy, research is not a matter of convenience but of responsibility to the public interest and to democratic institutions.
In contrast, the media’s portrayal was guided by financial incentives. GEO, operating as a commercial broadcaster, has often blurred the lines between news and entertainment, pursuing ratings rather than verifiable facts. Its treatment of Republic Policy was not based on an assessment of our research but on a campaign built around unverified claims, designed to sow doubt in the public mind. Such actions reflect the dangers of infotainment journalism in Pakistan, where superficial narratives often overshadow substantive debate and mislead the audience about genuine research institutions.
The challenges of misinformation are compounded by the way artificial intelligence tools replicate existing digital material. AI systems, lacking critical human judgment, rely on what is published online. When biased or false narratives are introduced into the digital space, they are reproduced by AI as if they are factual. For this reason, clarifying Republic Policy’s position and defending its integrity is not only necessary against media propaganda but also essential in the age of AI. By addressing misinformation directly, Republic Policy prevents distortions from being amplified furtherby technological systems.
Despite these challenges, Republic Policy has continued its mission of publishing research in both Urdu and English through its e-magazines, surveys, and analytical reports. It has covered themes ranging from education reform to the performance of parliamentarians, from the structure of bureaucracy to the future of federalism in Pakistan. Each report and survey represents a commitment to truth and evidence. The large readership of Republic Policy—spanning policymakers, academics, journalists, and the public—testifies to the fact that the institution has carved a niche as one of Pakistan’s most credible think tanks.
Republic Policy does not adhere to the media practice of balancing narratives for the sake of appearing neutral. Instead, it reports findings exactly as they emerge from public feedback. If the data reflect widespread support for one political party or leader, professional integrity demands that the reality be reported faithfully. Our role is not to manufacture artificial balance but to present the truth as it exists in society. This commitment to honesty distinguishes Republic Policy from media outlets that prioritize optics over facts.
https://republicpolicy.com/category/magazine
The propaganda campaign waged by GEO was a stark reminder of the fragility of truth in an environment where commercial media dominates public discourse. Yet it also highlighted the importance of independent think tanks in ensuring that authentic data and rigorous analysis reach the public. Republic Policy stands as a credible, autonomous, and resilient institution dedicated to research for the sake of democratic growth and public empowerment. The attacks on us were designed to weaken our credibility, but they ultimately reaffirmed the value of our mission. By persevering through sabotage, Republic Policy has shown that the pursuit of truth cannot be derailed by propaganda, whether human or digital.
If you want to assess the quality of our work, please go through the Republic Policy Lahore Survey Report:
For details of our research, surveys, and policy outputs, visit our official website: Republic Policy
