The federal government has decided to launch a nationwide crackdown on individuals involved in spreading anti-state propaganda, particularly targeting those who propagate negative narratives against security institutions.

Joint teams of security agencies and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) cybercrime wing will be formed at the federal and provincial levels that will have powers of arrest and investigation against individuals engaged in such activities.

The teams will have full support from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and other related institutions. Cybersecurity experts will also be included, and all necessary resources will be provided to ensure the effective tracking and investigation of social media accounts involved in anti-national content.

The cybercrime units, operating under the federal government, will have the power to conduct raids and make arrests anywhere in the country. Their primary responsibility will include identifying the origins of fake or harmful accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media apps. The teams will be responsible for finding out the details of accounts on social media apps.

Also Read: FIR filed against 12 for 'anti-state' social media posts

The joint teams will work collaboratively to strengthen the state's efforts against misinformation and propaganda, which are seen as threats to national security.

On Thursday, authorities registered an FIR against 12 individuals accused of posting defamatory and provocative content on social media, targeting state institutions, and disrupting public order.

According to security sources, the suspects hail from Karachi, Sanghar, Quetta, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, and Swat. They were alleged to have engaged in activities promoting rebellion and undermining state affairs through inflammatory and defamatory social media posts.

The suspects were identified as Mian Zeeshan Sajid, Faheem Khan, Muhammad Owais, Manochehr, Aziz Ahmed, Saad Adnan Khurshid, Muhammad Asad, Malik Ismatullah Khan, Inayatullah, Sultan Mahmood Khan, Kalimullah, and Aurangzeb.

Security sources confirmed that legal action was underway against the suspects and others involved in similar activities. "Strict measures will be taken against those spreading propaganda against the government and state institutions," they stated.