Pakistan Forms JIT to Probe Anti-State Social Media Campaign

Shazia Mehboob/ Imama Riaz 

Islamabad: In response to escalating concerns over a coordinated anti-state social media campaign, the Ministry of Interior has established a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) under Section 30 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016. 

This initiative, led by the Inspector General of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police, involves senior officials from various agencies, including the FIA’s Cybercrime and Counter Terrorism Wing, as well as the ICT Police’s Counter Terrorism Department. 

The JIT’s primary objective is to probe the organized objectives of individuals behind the malicious social media campaign, which has been implicated in causing public disorder and targeting the judiciary.

This action follows the government’s recent establishment of special courts dedicated to handling PECA Act cases, comprising additional district and sessions judges and civil judges from East and West. 

The campaign, which began in January 2024 after a Supreme Court ruling against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s electoral symbol, has led to scrutiny of over 500 social media accounts and registration of 100 inquiries. 

Arrests, including that of PTI’s Information Secretary Raoof Hasan, and the deployment of an internet firewall to filter and track objectionable content are part of broader measures to address the situation and maintain national security.

The PenPK team has conducted a research-based analysis of the country’s social media landscape and the factors that prompted the government to form a Joint Investigation Team (JIT). 

Below is a detailed Q&A session derived from our research:

Q1. What is the purpose of  Joint Investigation Team (JIT)?

The JIT is tasked with investigating an organized anti-state social media campaign that has caused disorder in Pakistan. It aims to determine the objectives of those behind the campaign and to identify and prosecute the involved culprits in accordance with the law.

Q2:Who are the members of the JIT?

The JIT is convened by the Inspector General of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police and includes the Director of Cybercrime and the Director of the Counter Terrorism Wing (CTW) from the FIA, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Investigation, ICT, and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of the Counter Terrorism Department, ICT.

Q3:What was the catalyst for social media campaign under investigation?

The campaign emerged following a Supreme Court ruling on January 13, 2024, which stripped the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of its cricket bat electoral symbol. The campaign targeted senior judges and the Supreme Court, alleging bias and corruption.

Q4: What actions have been taken against individuals involved in the campaign?

Over 500 social media accounts were scrutinized, and 100 inquiries were registered. Notices were served to 110 individuals, including journalists and political figures. 

PTI Information Secretary Raoof Hasan and other members of the party’s media cell have been arrested and face charges under various sections of the PECA Act, including cyber-terrorism and hate speech.

Q5: What measures are being implemented to counter the spread of misinformation?

The government is deploying an internet firewall to block objectionable content and track its origins. This technology aims to filter out unwanted material and disrupt networks spreading misinformation.

Q6: How is the new firewall technology intended to assist in the investigation?

The firewall technology is designed to prevent objectionable content from reaching the public and to trace the geographical locations from which such content is generated. This will help identify and address sources of misinformation.

Q7: What are the potential consequences of the campaign on Pakistan’s stability?

The campaign sought to undermine public trust in the judiciary and provoke social unrest by spreading false information and inciting hatred against state institutions. This could have significant repercussions for Pakistan’s stability and social harmony.

Q8: What is the role of the special courts established for PECA Act cases?

The special courts, comprising additional district and sessions judges and civil judges, are authorized to handle trials related to electronic crimes. They aim to ensure a broad and balanced judicial representation for fair and comprehensive legal proceedings.

Q9: What have the accused, including Raoof Hasan, claimed about their involvement?

The accused, including Raoof Hasan, have denied the allegations, asserting that their actions were part of legitimate political discourse. However, the FIR filed by CTD Inspector Sajid Ikram suggests that the media cell members received directions to incite public unrest against the state and military.