NCCIA cracks down on online propaganda
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched a targeted crackdown on individuals accused of spreading anti-state propaganda online amid ongoing Iran-Israel tensions and Pakistan's diplomatic push for de-escalation.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Ali Waseem, the newly appointed Director Operations for the Lahore region, said at least 17 suspects have been identified and proceeded against for allegedly disseminating misleading and provocative content across digital platforms.
"These are not isolated cases," Waseem said, adding that some of the material shared by the accused carried "international ramifications" and risked undermining Pakistan's diplomatic posture at a sensitive time.
He noted that certain posts had gone viral beyond Pakistan's borders, including in neighbouring countries, drawing scrutiny and, in some instances, prompting complaints from foreign embassies. "This is a serious concern. Digital content today does not remain confined within geographical boundaries," he remarked.
According to NCCIA officials, several of the individuals under investigation are believed to have been "misguided" or influenced by political affiliations, which shaped the narrative of their online activity. Authorities, however, maintained that intent and impact were both being examined as part of the legal process.
The crackdown comes as Pakistan continues to advocate for negotiations and a ceasefire in the Middle East, urging restraint amid escalating hostilities. Officials say the spread of unverified or inflammatory content could compromise these efforts and create confusion at both domestic and international levels.
Ali Waseem said the agency was employing forensic analysis and digital tracing tools to track the origin and spread of such content. He warned that strict action would be taken under relevant cybercrime laws against those found involved in "malicious campaigns targeting state institutions or foreign policy positions."
He also urged citizens to exercise caution and responsibility while sharing information online. "Freedom of expression comes with responsibility. People must verify facts before amplifying sensitive content, especially during times of geopolitical tension," he added.
Investigations into the identified suspects are ongoing, and further arrests have not been ruled out, officials said.
In its annual report, Amnesty International maintained that changes to online speech and anti-terrorism laws in Pakistan significantly impacted freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, leading to the detention of journalists, activists and opposition members.
On April 30, the NCCIA arrested a man in Lahore for allegedly posting anti-state content on social media platforms.
Earlier this year, a sessions court sentenced lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, to a total of 17 years in prison over "disseminating anti-state content on social media".