Pakistan’s leading English-language daily, Dawn, is once again under the spotlight after an unusual oversight in its print edition. Readers noticed a sentence that appeared to be a direct ChatGPT prompt embedded in an article, raising questions about editorial processes in the newsroom.
The incident quickly went viral on social media, with reactions ranging from amusement to concern over editorial standards. Many users noted the surprising appearance of a digital tool’s input in a traditional print medium, sparking broader discussions about AI’s growing influence in journalism.
This is not Dawn’s first brush with such scrutiny. In November 2025, a similar mix-up appeared at the end of a business story titled “Auto Sales Rev Up in October.” The article unexpectedly shifted tone, offering to “create a snappier version” with an “infographic-ready layout.”
Media experts note that while these mistakes are not uncommon globally, they highlight the need for strict editorial checks, especially as newsrooms increasingly integrate AI-based tools into content production.
Founded in 1942, Dawn has long been regarded as Pakistan’s most trusted English-language newspaper. The repeated presence of AI-generated material—whether accidental or otherwise—has drawn attention from both media analysts and the public, underscoring the challenges traditional newsrooms face in the era of automation.
After the previous backlash, Dawn issued a formal AI news policy, publicly apologized, and promised stricter editorial oversight. However, the recurrence of a similar oversight in the latest print edition suggests that implementing these safeguards remains a work in progress.
