The federal government is set to take stringent action against individuals spreading hatred and propaganda against state institutions and public figures on social media.
Sources have said that labelling such individuals as "digital terrorists", the government plans to curb the dissemination of malicious content online.
"Those who spread propaganda against state institutions and personalities on social media will be considered digital terrorists," the sources said.
According to sources, the Ministry of Law and Justice has drafted a proposal, which has been forwarded to the federal cabinet for summary approval. This proposal also outlines that the federal cabinet's approval will be sought through circulation for courts to try such elements under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
"Strict legal action will be taken against those elements spreading propaganda," the sources added.
If approved through circulation from the federal cabinet, additional district and sessions judges, as well as civil judges East and West will have the authority to preside over trials related to digital terrorism under the PECA. This move is aimed at expediting legal proceedings and ensuring swift justice.
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"Strict legal action will be taken against those spreading propaganda," sources emphasized.
The term 'digital terrorists' was first used recently by the military's spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, during a press conference where he was addressing the Bannu peace rally held last week. It was alleged that the military opened direct fire at peaceful marchers in Bannu, killing scores.
"After the Bannu incident, digital terrorists also mobilized, creating a ruckus that the army opened fire on unarmed people," he claimed.
He further said "digital terrorists" imposed their thoughts on people through lies and fake news, adding that sometimes their identities or whereabouts aren't even known. "The target of digital terrorists is the army. Physical terrorists can be eliminated by operations, but digital terrorists have to be stopped by law and monitoring," he stressed.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said "digital terrorists" are made heroes in the name of freedom of opinion. "If digital terrorism is not stopped, it will increase further. "How many people who spread fake news have been proceeded against?" he questioned.
