JIT summons PTI workers over malicious social media campaign

A joint investigation team (JIT) led by the Islamabad police chief has issued notices to several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers for their alleged involvement in a malicious social media campaign aimed at inciting unrest in the country.

The JIT has summoned PTI figures, including Muhammad Arshad, Atta-ur-Rehman, Azhar Mashwani, Komal Afridi, Arusa Nadeem Shah, and M. Ali Malik, to appear for questioning on December 13, 2024.

The accused are accused of using social media platforms to spread disinformation and instigate chaos within Pakistan.

According to the JIT, the investigation is focused on determining the underlying motives of these individuals and their associates in orchestrating such campaigns.

"The investigation aims to identify the individuals behind this disinformation campaign and understand their objectives," said a JIT spokesperson.

The federal government has set up a special team under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 to curb social media-related crimes.

According to PECA's Section 30, the team operates under the supervision of the Islamabad IG Police.

The JIT has gathered substantial evidence suggesting that the accused were involved in spreading propaganda on social media, contributing to national instability. Further investigations are underway to identify additional suspects and take appropriate legal action in line with Pakistan's laws.

Earlier this year, government formed a JIT to probe those creating "chaos and disorder" in the country through "malicious social media campaigns".

The team included the Director of Cyber Crime at the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Director of the FIA's Counter-Terrorism Wing (CTW), the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Investigation Islamabad, and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Islamabad's Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).

The JIT is tasked with investigating the motives behind malicious campaigns against the state and identifying the culprits and their facilitators who attempt to create chaos in Pakistan through social media.

According to the legal framework, the JIT will not only identify these individuals but also pursue legal action against them.

While the move comes days after the interior ministry announced a JIT was being formed to probe the suspicion of PTI's alleged involvement in "anti-state propaganda", the notification does not mention the party.