Pakistan, May 9 -- The title of this column might sound like that of a Dr Seuss book, but the context is more sinister. Political slander and smear campaigns have been the norm for years. This should not be the case but it is. History shows us that from as far back as ancient Rome, political rivals have employed the art of the 'rumour'. The origin of the word comes from the Latin Rumorem (nominative rumour) meaning noise, clamour, common talk and hearsay. It all boils down to false and derogatory information that is then spread via different frequencies in order to undercut opponents' integrity and thus the votes of the people.

Pakistan's social media trends have highlighted a disturbing lack of maturity. Even amidst dark humour there is...