WhatsApp group admin arrested over 'fake news'

Listen to article

PAKPATTAN:

A WhatsApp group administrator was arrested for allegedly allowing a derogatory post targeting Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to circulate in the group under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016.

A case, lodged at Farid Nagar police station, accuses a group member of sharing an offensive post and the admin of turning a blind eye to its dissemination.

According to the first information report (FIR) dated January 23, the post, described as containing "dirty language," was uploaded via the group member's mobile number.

The group administrator, a resident of Shaheed Nagar, is alleged to have failed to delete the defamatory post despite knowing it was "immoral, offensive and illegal". Instead, he is accused of "providing an opportunity for other group members to view the post" and attempting to "spread chaos among the public".

The FIR cites violations under Section 20 of PECA (Offences against the dignity of a natural person) and Section 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Insulting modesty or causing sexual harassment).

District Police Officer (DPO) Pakpattan Javed Iqbal Chaddar confirmed the arrest under the old PECA act in Pakpattan.

"A suspect posted a malicious and insulting post against the chief minister of Punjab in the WhatsApp group. The group administrator has been arrested," he explained.

According to the DPO, Farid Nagar police acted promptly on his orders after the post went viral on social media. Sub-Inspector Muhammad Mansha, the complainant, filed the case, prompting SHO Rana Shehzad Akram to arrest the accused.

"Further investigation is underway," the DPO said, adding that the police was committed to addressing the misuse of social media platforms to spread hate or unrest.