Five-member JIT formed to investigation PTI’s alleged anti-state campaign

ISLAMABAD: Federal government has constituted a five-member joint investigation team (JIT) to probe PTI social media’s organized campaign against the institutions.

The Interior Ministry issued the notification regarding the formation of JIt under Section 30 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016.

The Inspector General (IG) of Police Islamabad was appointed as the convener of the team. Other members include DIG Investigation Islamabad, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Islamabad Senior Superintendent Police (SSP), the Director Cybercrime Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the Director CTW FIA.

According to the notification, JIT is formed to investigate and determine the organized objectives of the accused and their accomplices. Culprits will be identified and prosecuted in accordance with applicable laws, it reads.

Pakistan Army, which has faced a wave of criticism on social media for the past year, has termed such expressions as ‘digital terrorism’ and a threat to national security.

It is pertinent to mention that a few days ago, security agencies raided the PTI central office in Islamabad and arrested the party’s spokesperson Raoof Hasan, and 11 others for the party’s alleged involvement in anti-state activities on social media.

Later, the Islamabad administration also sealed the PTI’s central secretariat. At present, 11 accused including Raoof Hasan are in police custody on physical remand.

According to police, PTI’s digital media cell has become a hub of international disinformation, and anti-Pakistan propaganda was conducted from here in collaboration with anti-national agencies.