The Cybercrime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Islamabad has registered cases against numerous journalists and vloggers who reported on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests held from November 24-27, 2024. The accused face charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for allegedly spreading false narratives against state institutions and inciting unrest.
Prominent Journalists Named
Journalists and media figures, including Harmeet Singh, Ahmed Noorani, Abdul Qadir, Hasnain Rafique, Salman Durrani, Imran Khatana, Maryam Shafqat Malik, and Rizwan Ahmed Khan, have been named in the cases filed by the FIA Cybercrime Wing.
Allegations Against Harmeet Singh
The case highlights accusations against journalist Harmeet Singh, claiming he promoted malicious narratives against state institutions through his Twitter profile during the PTI protests. The FIA alleges that Singh attempted to incite violence, create fear and insecurity among citizens, and foster enmity between state institutions. Additionally, he is accused of inciting provincialism and ethnic unrest for political interests, actions described as sedition under the law.
A case against Harmeet Singh has been registered under the Electronic Crimes Act 2016, as well as relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). Meanwhile, FIA Cybercrime Rawalpindi has arrested another suspect, Ilyas Awan, for alleged propaganda against state institutions and spreading disinformation about the Pakistani military on social media.
Evidence and Further Investigations
The FIA spokesperson stated that during a raid, authorities recovered a mobile phone and other evidence from Ilyas Awan. An investigation is underway, and further raids are being conducted to apprehend his accomplices.
Government Stance
The crackdown reflects the government’s stern approach to combating disinformation and safeguarding state institutions from malicious narratives. The registered cases have sparked debates about press freedom, online expression, and the balance between national security and journalistic independence.
