The caretaker government said on Monday it had identified 500 social media accounts involved in running a “malicious campaign” against the judiciary, adding that it was also monitoring several other similar accounts.
The Pakistani government is investigating a widespread social media campaign against Supreme Court judges. Information Minister Murtaza Solangi announced that hundreds of accounts, operated both within and outside the country, are being monitored, and action will be taken against them. The Interior Ministry has formed a joint investigation team (JIT) under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act to ascertain facts behind the campaign. The JIT includes representatives from the Intelligence Bureau, Inter-Services Intelligence, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, and Islamabad police. The investigation is in response to a social media smear campaign following a court judgment on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s electoral symbol.
Pakistan’s Information Minister, Murtaza Solangi, emphasized the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression, quoting Article 19. He expressed concern about those spreading false information as a business and asserted that the law would be applied without discrimination. With upcoming elections, he warned of an increase in fake information and urged the public to verify content before sharing.
PTA Director General, Ahmed Shamim Pirzada, highlighted the authority’s right to block content against national interests under Section 37 of Peca. He encouraged reporting on the PTA website and mentioned regular meetings with social media companies to address concerns. FIA’s Waqaruddin assured prompt action against anti-state elements, preventing the misuse of social media against the country.
Solangi affirmed the caretakers’ commitment to the Constitution and announced upcoming elections on February 8, expressing optimism about the formation of a new elected government in accordance with the Constitution.
