The Federal Government is ready to take strict action against individuals spreading hate and propaganda against state institutions and public officials on social media.
Sources said the government plans to label such individuals as “digital terrorists” to curb the spread of malicious content online.
According to sources, the Ministry of Law and Justice has drafted a proposal that has been forwarded to the federal cabinet for blanket approval. The proposal also outlines that federal cabinet approval will be sought through a circular for courts to examine such elements under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
“Strict legal action will be taken against elements spreading propaganda,” the sources added.
If approved through a distribution from the federal cabinet, additional district and sessions judges, as well as civil judges in the East and West, will have the power to preside over digital terrorism-related trials under PECA. The move is aimed at expediting court proceedings and ensuring speedy justice.
“Strict legal action will be taken against those spreading the propaganda,” the sources stressed.
The term “digital terrorists” was first used recently by the army spokesman, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, during a press conference where he spoke about a peace rally in Bann held last week. It was claimed that the army opened direct fire on the peaceful protesters in Bannu, killing many people.
“Digital terrorists also mobilized after the Bannu incident, which created a ruckus that the army opened fire on unarmed people,” he claimed.
He further said that “digital terrorists” impose their ideas on people through lies and fake news, adding that sometimes their identity or whereabouts are not even known. “Digital terrorists target the military. Physical terrorists can be eliminated through operations, but digital terrorists must be stopped by law and surveillance,” he emphasized.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said “digital terrorists” are becoming heroes in the name of freedom of expression. “If digital terrorism is not stopped, it will continue to grow.” “How many people who spread fake news have been arrested?” he asked.
