The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested Shakib Qaimkhani, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Union Council (UC) chairman in Hyderabad, for sharing posts against state institutions on social media.
FIA officials stated that Qaimkhani, the chairman of Union Council 115 in Shah Latif Town, consistently shared anti-state propaganda on social media platforms. A cybercrime case has been registered against him.
Sources revealed that more than a dozen individuals have been booked recently for posting content deemed harmful to state institutions.
The government of Pakistan has announced plans to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to curb the spread of misinformation and fearmongering on social media. Proposed penalties include imprisonment and fines.
Reports indicate that the revised legislation will remove content targeting national institutions or individuals or spreading fear.
A draft proposal suggests forming a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) to oversee social media content. The DRPA will have the authority to block or remove posts targeting law enforcement agencies or individuals and content spreading hatred against the state.
This development highlights Pakistan’s increasing efforts to regulate online platforms and safeguard its institutions against misinformation campaigns.
