FIA arrests individual in Rawalpindi over anti-state propaganda online

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested one individual in Rawalpindi in connection with its ongoing investigations into anti-state propaganda online, with cases registered against multiple journalists, vloggers, and social media activists accused of spreading such propaganda.

According to Express news, the FIA's Cyber Crime Circle in Islamabad lodged a case against journalist Harmit Singh for allegedly spreading false narratives and inciting public unrest against state institutions on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

The FIR, which has now been made public, accuses Singh of using his X profile to spread malicious content aimed at defaming Pakistan’s state institutions.

The FIR also references propaganda related to incidents involving the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party between November 24 and 27 as Singh’s case has been registered under sections 9, 10, 11, and 24 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, as well as section 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

According to sources, additional cases are being filed against other journalists and vloggers, although the FIA spokesperson was unavailable to provide further details.

In a separate operation, FIA Cyber Crime officials in Rawalpindi arrested a suspect, Ilyas Awan, for allegedly being involved in spreading disinformation against Pakistan’s military and state institutions on social media.

Awan was detained after a raid, with his mobile phone and other evidence seized.

Authorities have confirmed that investigations into Awan's activities have begun, and efforts are underway to arrest his associates involved in similar propaganda efforts.