Seven fresh individuals have been charged for anti state propaganda and creating false narratives on social media. The accused, Muhammad Sohail, Muhammad Junaid, Sheikh Muhammad Ehsan, and others, were reportedly utilizing WhatsApp and X (Twitter) to spread propagandized material. Authorities are still further pursuing the suspects.
In a similar crackdown a day earlier, cases were filed against 12 persons, who were later found to be identified, according to sources.
The government has now amended the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to include provisions against false propaganda and fear-mongering on social media. The proposed amendments will impose severe punishment, which includes five years to life imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 1 million, or both.
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A draft proposal creates a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), empowered to block or remove any material that targets national institutions, spreads hate speech, or tries to instill fear. It will also direct the removal of content detrimental to law enforcement agencies or the reputation of any person.
The government emphasized that such kind of measures is quite necessary for the safeguarding of national institutions and public trust while fighting against the increasing misuse of digital platforms.