ISLAMABAD: The Cyber Crime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered the first case in Karachi for spreading fake and fabricated news online.
As per details, the suspect, identified as Saifur Rehman, a resident of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 1, is alleged to have used social media to spread propaganda during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest march last month.
The case was filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), citing the use of an individual’s social media account to disseminate fake news and the use of derogatory language against the state and its institutions.
According to the FIA, a technical analysis of the accused’s Twitter account revealed several posts promoting anti-state rhetoric. The account was reportedly active during the inquiry, consistently publishing content aimed at undermining state institutions.
On Dec 6, the federal government officially decided to launch a nationwide crackdown on individuals involved in spreading anti-state propaganda, particularly targeting those who propagate negative narratives against security institutions.
Joint teams of security agencies and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) cybercrime wing were formed at the federal and provincial levels with powers of arrest and investigation against individuals engaged in such activities.
The teams would have full support from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and other related institutions. Cybersecurity experts would also be included, and all necessary resources would be provided to ensure the effective tracking and investigation of social media accounts involved in anti-national content.
The cybercrime units, operating under the federal government, would have the power to conduct raids and make arrests anywhere in the country.
Their primary responsibility included identifying the origins of fake or harmful accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media apps.
The teams would be responsible for finding out the details of accounts on social media apps.
A day earlier, authorities registered an FIR against 12 individuals accused of posting defamatory and provocative content on social media, targeting state institutions, and disrupting public order.
According to security sources, the suspects hailed from Karachi, Sanghar, Quetta, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, and Swat. They were allegedly engaged in activities promoting rebellion and undermining state affairs through inflammatory and defamatory social media posts.
On Dec 3, the federal government decided to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to tackle the spread of fake news. An initial draft of the ‘Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2024.’ If passed, anyone spreading fake news could face up to five years in jail or a fine of up to Rs1 million.
However, the bill doesn’t provide a clear definition of what constitutes fake news.
The bill also proposes the removal of content from social media that targets law enforcement agencies or individuals or spreads terror.
The coalition government’s major ally Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and opposition political parties have raised serious concerns over proposed PECA amendments.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has decided to take strict action against individuals involved in spreading “fake news.“
According to sources, the government plans to present this proposal in Parliament during the second week of December as part of an amendment to the PECA 2016 Amendment Bill.
