FIA Takes Action Against Social Media Activists Across Pakistan

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated a large-scale operation against social media activists accused of spreading fake propaganda nationwide.

The FIA Cybercrime Wing has led the operation, resulting in numerous arrests and the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) across multiple regions. Officials reported significant activity in Punjab, where 26 individuals were arrested, and 66 FIRs were registered, including in Lahore. Islamabad’s Cybercrime Wing registered 51 FIRs, while operations in Multan led to 14 arrests and over 30 cases.

In Sindh, 16 FIRs were registered in Karachi, four in Sukkur, and five in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, FIA Quetta reported three FIRs during the ongoing campaign. Overall, 30 social media activists have been arrested nationwide for their alleged involvement in spreading misinformation and propaganda.

In an earlier statement to the National Assembly, Parliament Secret Sajid Mehdi revealed that 86,000 SIMs were blocked for anti-state activities. Mehdi also confirmed restrictions on VPN usage and hinted at forthcoming amendments to the Electronic Crimes Act to strengthen regulations against fake news.

The government has also launched awareness campaigns targeting schools, colleges, and universities, with a task force established under the Prime Minister’s directive to combat misinformation.

The Ministry of IT recently issued a notification granting the FIA Cybercrime Wing the authority to act against social media crimes, further consolidating its powers by annulling the National Cybercrimes and Investigation Agency’s rules.