In a move to curb the spread of anti-state propaganda on social media, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the formation of a 10-member joint task force (JTF) that will specifically target individuals and groups promoting false and provocative content aimed at destabilizing Pakistan.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, certain elements have launched a coordinated campaign to discredit state institutions, particularly the military, in the wake of recent terrorist acts and political unrest. The report claims that both domestic and international media platforms have been spreading misleading narratives, accusing Pakistan of serious human rights violations.
The newly formed task force, which includes representatives from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Military Intelligence (MI), the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) cyber wing, will focus on identifying and tracking the individuals or groups responsible for spreading fake news. It will also target misinformation surrounding the political unrest that occurred in Islamabad between November 24 and 27, 2024.
The task force, headed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), will work with officials from the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of IT. Its responsibilities include monitoring both local and foreign sources that are involved in disseminating fabricated images and content to mislead the public and international audiences.
The committee has been tasked with submitting its findings within 10 days and recommending legal actions against the offenders. The government has also directed the task force to propose measures to address any policy gaps related to the spread of online misinformation and cyber threats.
This action comes amid growing concerns over the use of social media for anti-state activities, with authorities emphasizing the need for a united front to maintain national security and stability. The formation of the task force marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to tackle the challenges posed by cyber propaganda and misinformation in the digital age.
