FIA takes down 106 accounts for spreading hate online

Capital police suggest closure of 203 social media accounts

ISLAMABAD:

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has only been able to suspend 106 of the 203 social media accounts on the recommendation of the Anti-Extremism Unit of Islamabad capital police for spreading religious, sectarian and linguistic hatred and maligning institutions.

The capital police authorities have requested the Director of FIA, Islamabad Zone to swiftly shut down all the social media accounts involved in similar activities.

Reports indicate that the capital police's Anti-Extremism Unit has launched widespread operations against those spreading religious, ethnic, and institutional hatred through social media platforms.

Under the supervision of Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan, the Anti-Extremism Unit has written a letter to the FIA, in which it called for the closure of 203 accounts responsible for promoting hatred and propagandising against institutions on social media.

Currently, 106 of these targeted accounts have already been shut down, with the remaining being addressed as a matter of priority, The Express Tribune has learnt.

The establishment of the Anti-Extremism Unit within the Islamabad capital police marks a significant step in combating extremism. The unit conducts visits to educational institutions and religious seminaries to counter radicalisation, while also monitoring sermons delivered in mosques.

Furthermore, the unit scrutinises political, linguistic, religious, and extremist content on social media platforms and websites, compiling reports and identifying extremist activities for necessary legal action.

Islamabad IGP emphasised that the prevention of extremism plays a crucial role in thwarting terrorism and enhancing the overall security of the city.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 1^st, 2023.