PTA Denies Reports of YouTube Channel Blocking List
May 20, 2025Pakistan Launches Digital Assets Authority to Regulate Crypto Sector
May 22, 2025Amid heightened tensions with India, Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has expanded its crackdown on online disinformation and anti-state content. FIRs have now been registered against 11 individuals, including three women, for allegedly spreading false, provocative and defamatory content online targeting state institutions and national figures through social media and web TV platforms.
The NCCIA (Sindh Zone) confirmed that several arrests have been made, and over 500 social media accounts have been flagged for similar activity. The agency alleges that the suspects actively disseminated hostile narratives during the India–Pakistan conflict, aiming to incite public distrust and anxiety.
An NCCIA spokesperson stated: “The nominated individuals have been involved in spreading misleading propaganda targeting Pakistan’s armed forces and national leadership. Legal proceedings are in motion, and action against identified accounts is ongoing.”
Earlier this month, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Shabbir Ahmed was also arrested in Mansehra under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) following a speech critical of the government on Kashmir Solidarity Day.
The developments have raised alarm among rights groups. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed concern over the PECA Amendment Bill 2025, warning that its vague language around “fake news” could be used to silence journalists, activists, and political dissent. HRCP has called for a full parliamentary debate on the bill, which it says threatens basic civil liberties and freedom of expression.
Source: https://www.geo.tv/latest/604563-five-booked-for-sharing-false-provocative-content-during-pakistan-india-tensions https://arynews.tv/11-booked-for-anti-state-propaganda-on-social-media/
