A Joint Investigation Team (JIT), led by the Islamabad police chief, has issued notices to several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members in connection with their alleged involvement in a malicious social media campaign aimed at inciting unrest in Pakistan. The accused individuals, including Muhammad Arshad, Atta-ur-Rehman, Azhar Mashwani, Komal Afridi, Arusa Nadeem Shah, and M. Ali Malik, have been summoned to appear for questioning on December 13, 2024.
The JIT is investigating allegations that these individuals used social media platforms to spread disinformation and instigate chaos in the country. The investigation seeks to uncover the motives behind these campaigns and the individuals or groups that may be involved.
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A spokesperson for the JIT emphasized that the objective of the investigation is to identify those behind the disinformation campaigns and understand their broader goals. The federal government has set up a special team, operating under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which focuses on social media-related crimes. This team is under the supervision of the Islamabad Inspector General (IG) of Police.
Evidence gathered so far suggests that the accused individuals played a role in spreading propaganda on social media, which contributed to national instability. Further investigations are being conducted to identify more suspects and take appropriate legal actions in accordance with Pakistani laws.
Earlier this year, a similar initiative was launched, with a JIT set up to probe individuals suspected of creating chaos and disorder through social media campaigns. This team included officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Counter-Terrorism Wing (CTW), and the Islamabad Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).
The JIT is tasked with identifying the culprits behind these campaigns and pursuing legal action against them under Pakistan’s legal framework. Although this move follows the formation of a JIT to investigate PTI’s alleged involvement in anti-state propaganda, the notification does not explicitly mention the party.
