Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the formation of a five-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate an organized social media campaign targeting state institutions.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over the impact of alleged coordinated disinformation efforts on public trust and the integrity of state institutions.

According to sources, the JIT will be led by the Islamabad inspector general of police (IGP), who will oversee the investigation.

The team will also include the director of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Wing, ensuring expertise in tracking and analysing online activities. Additionally, the deputy inspector general (DIG) of the Director Counter-Terrorism Wing, Islamabad, and the senior superintendent of police (SSP) of Islamabad's Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) will be part of the investigative committee.

The formation of the JIT highlights the government's commitment to addressing and curbing the spread of misinformation and defamatory content against state institutions on social media platforms. The investigation will focus on identifying those responsible for orchestrating the campaign and taking appropriate legal action against them.

This proactive step is expected to reinforce the government's stance on maintaining the integrity of state institutions and ensuring that those who engage in malicious online activities are held accountable. 

Also Read: Those spreading negative propaganda to be labelled digital terrorists

Earlier this week, the federal government announced plans to take stringent action against individuals spreading hatred and propaganda against state institutions and public figures on social media.

Sources 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.