FIA books 'anti-state' social media activists

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing has registered cases against journalists, vloggers, and social media activists for spreading anti-state propaganda. One person was arrested in Rawalpindi.

Sources indicate the registration of cases against other journalists and bloggers.

The FIA Islamabad has registered a case against journalist Harmeet Singh for allegedly spreading false information against state institutions and inciting the people on X (formerly Twitter). The First Information Report (FIR) has been made public.

The FIR registered against Singh alleges that he spread malicious narratives against Pakistan's state institutions through his X profile. Specifically, the FIR has mentioned the propaganda surrounding the events of November 24-27, 2024, linked to the PTI.

A case has been registered against Harmeet Singh under sections 9, 10, 11 and 24 of the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016 (PECA) and section 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

When questioned about cases against other journalists and vloggers, the FIA spokesperson initially asked for time to provide more information. However, the spokesperson later became unresponsive, failing to provide the requested details or answer follow-up calls.

In Rawalpindi, the FIA Cyber Crime Rawalpindi conducted a raid, resulting in the arrest of Ilyas Awan.

Awan was spreading propaganda against state institutions, including the Pakistani Army and disseminating disinformation on social media against state institutions.

During the arrest, authorities recovered a mobile phone and other evidence from Awan's possession. He has been taken into custody, and an investigation is underway. Additionally, raids are being conducted to apprehend other accomplices.