Crackdown launched on online religious hate

Police, FIA want social media users spreading sectarianism placed on terror list

ISLAMABAD:

The Punjab police and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Wing have suggested placing individuals spreading religious hatred and sectarianism on social media during the month of Muharram on the proscribed persons list of the anti-terrorism law so that action could be taken against them.

The authorities have collected data of such social media accounts being operated from foreign countries and would also seek the Interpol’s help in cracking down on them.

According to Section 11EE of the Anti-Terrorism Act, the Fourth Schedule is to include “any person who is an activist, office-bearer or an associate of an organisation kept under observation – or proscribed – or – affiliated with any group or organisation suspected to be involved in terrorism or sectarianism”.

A senior police officer, requesting anonymity, confirmed the development to The Express Tribune and added that the FIA Cybercrime Wing would register a case against individuals using social media to spread religious hatred.

Initially, the Rawalpindi police had forwarded the details of 17 social media accounts to the FIA. Their owners, who are based in Pakistan, were spreading sectarianism on social media.

According to sources, the FIA blocked the 17 accounts and took action against their owners.

The official said the Punjab police had suggested placing all the individuals spreading religious hatred on social media on the Fourth Schedule so that action could be taken against them.

The police have also identified 30 accounts -- engaged in such activities -- being operated from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other countries.

The administration of the social media platforms have been informed in writing to take immediate action against these accounts and it is expected that they will be blocked soon.

The authorities concerned have approached the Interpol to seek assistance against those trying to spread religious hatred in the country from abroad.

The official said that the police and FIA would jointly act against such offenders and seek assistance from the Interpol where necessary.

The parliament has recently passed amendments to the country’s anti-terrorism law to make it more stringent.

It proposes prohibiting the provision of loans or financial assistance to those associated with banned organisations and restricting all banks and financial institutions from issuing credit cards to individuals on the proscribed persons list.

It further states that arms licenses already issued to such individuals would be revoked and their weapons confiscated.

No new licenses will be issued to such people and they will be penalised for carrying weapons.

A person will be committing an offence if they facilitate the travel of an individual for the purpose of perpetrating, participating in, assisting or preparing for a terrorist act or for providing or receiving training for terrorist activities.

The state will also have the power to freeze the accounts and travel documents of those found to be involved in terrorist activities.