JIT formed to probe vote fraud propaganda

The federal government has decided to constitute a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to identify individuals involved in running a "misleading" social media campaign against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and government officials during the election process.

The JIT will identify the individuals responsible for the “deplorable” campaign so that criminal cases may be registered against them. Additionally, it will make recommendations to tackle such campaigns in the future. The JIT will also seek assistance from IT experts, according to sources.

According to a news report, the JIT will consist of five members. Led by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) additional director general, it will include officers from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA).

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Citing sources, the report claims that the federal cabinet approved the formation of the JIT based on a summary moved by the Ministry of Interior.

A social media campaign was launched against the ECP and government officials after opposition parties alleged rigging and manipulation in the February 8 general elections. The campaign accused the ECP of bias and incompetence, and targeted government officials for their alleged role in result manipulation.

The ECP and the government described the campaign as a violation of Article 5 of the Constitution, which requires loyalty to the state and obedience to the Constitution and law.