JIT to probe propaganda against SC judges, ECP, officials

ISLAMABAD: The government has constituted a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the people involved in defamatory campaigns on social media against the Supreme Court judges, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and government officers.

Led by FIA Cybercrime Wing additional director general, the JIT would start its work today (Thursday). The forum would be comprising of a 20-grade officer of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), a 20-grade officer of the Intelligence Bureau, Islamabad Police deputy inspector general, a representative of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and any other co-opted representative, including IT expert.

“The JIT have been tasked to investigate mainly three specific point.

“To ascertain facts behind malicious social media campaign attempting to malign the image of honorable judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, to identify and to bring the culprits to book in accordance with relevant laws and cause presentation of Challans in the courts concerned, and to recommend measures for prevention against occurrence of such incidents in future,” read the notification.

The JIT would submit a preliminary report to the Interior Ministry within 15 days.

Meanwhile, a government spokesperson told the media that no one be allowed malicious activities to weaken the democratic process through deceitful means.

The JIT has been tasked with probing various activities, including dissemination of false information on social media platforms, printing of fake ballot papers, and propaganda aimed at influencing public sentiment, he said.

The spokesperson said that attempts were made to sway the loyalty of government officers through a sinister campaign. The caretaker government has affirmed that such actions would not be tolerated, and those found culpable would face swift and decisive action, he said.

The JIT would collaborate with the IT experts to gather evidence and ascertain the extent of the wrongdoing. The forum would register cases and recommend appropriate actions against the responsible individuals, the government spokesperson said.