JIT to investigate 'disinformation'

A seven-member joint investigation team has been formed to investigate the spread of disinformation regarding an alleged incident of sexual assault at a private educational institution in Lahore.

The team led by Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Deputy Director Forensics Waqas Saeed includes Assistant Director Muhammad Ali Yazdan, Software AD Muhammad Ashan, Technical Assistant Ghulam Mustafa, SHO Ali Raza, Sub-Inspector Yasir Rahim and Mohsin Raza.

The Lahore FIA Cybercrime additional director issued a notification directing the investigation team to investigate the incident and submit a report.

According to an FIA officer, the principal of the college campus involved in the incident filed a complaint with the FIA Lahore, requesting an urgent investigation into false propaganda on social media, alleging that it had led to protests and attacks on the college, causing damage to staff and property.

As per the complaint, the college administration is cooperating with Punjab Police to uncover the facts and CCTV footages have been provided, while the campus guards are in custody. The complaint also mentions social media account details of two students who had been warned against recording unauthorised videos of the campus prior to the incident.

The complaint mentioned that due to the social media campaign, protests against the educational institution had spread to other cities. Therefore, an immediate inquiry should be conducted into the matter, it added.

An FIA spokesperson, confirming the formation of the joint investigation team comprising FIA Cybercrime and police officials, said that the investigation had begun.

He said the investigation team would identify elements involved in disinformation.