The investigation into the anti-judiciary campaign on social media has seen a new development, as an officer of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has also been included in the joint investigation team probing the issue.

Moreover, sources said that the sensitive agencies have identified hundreds of social media accounts involved in the alleged anti-judiciary campaign.

It has also been decided to place the names of those involved in this campaign in the Exit Control List and stop list. This also includes the names of overseas account holders.

Furthermore, the accounts identified during the investigation will be blocked by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), as per the sources. 

Also Read: JIT formed to counter online smear campaign against SC's legal eagles

According to FIA officials, their cybercrime wing is on full alert, and many social media accounts are being monitored. “No one will be allowed to compromise national security,” they stressed.

Moreover, the PTA officials have said that more than 500 accounts had been identified, and they were monitoring many others. “No one will be allowed to jeopardize public confidence in public institutions.”

They further insisted that social media will not be allowed to be used as a weapon against the state, adding that instructions had been issued to all police stations and reporting centres for immediate action against the people involved.

Addressing a press conference on the matter, caretaker Information Minister Muratza Solangi said a vile campaign had been launched against the judiciary, adding that such a smear campaign could not be allowed. 

Also Read: Access to information constitutional right of every citizen: CJP

“For the last several years, a culture of lies and intolerance has been cultivated,” he added, stressing that Article 19 clearly mentioned freedom of expression, but that was also subject to appropriate restrictions under the Constitution.

Solangi mentioned that after the Supreme Court announced a verdict on January 13 withdrawing the election symbol of bat from the PTI, a campaign was launched against it. He clarified that the criticism of judgments was allowed within the Constitution.

“The PTA and other authorized bodies are continuing their action. Countless 100 accounts were monitored, and action will be taken against them according to the Constitution and law. Arrests will also be made,” he disclosed. He also warned such elements to refrain from such activities.

Flanking him, PTA Director General Shamim Pirzada said the authority could block any content under Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016. 

Also Read: PTA directed to gather data of those sharing, commenting on anti-judiciary content

FIA Cyber Crime Director Waqaruddin Syed said his department had the authority to take action against those who spread chaos. More than 500 accounts have been investigated during the campaign, he revealed.

He further said that those involved could only be identified after the investigation, adding that they had to submit their report in two weeks. Syed stressed that social media will not be allowed to be used as a weapon.

On Jan 16, in response to the escalating social media campaign targeting Supreme Court judges, the Interior Ministry took swift action by forming a JIT tasked with preventing and addressing the malicious campaign. The JIT, comprising six members, is being spearheaded by the additional director of the FIA Cyber Crime Wing and includes representatives from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The investigative committee boasts the inclusion of a Grade 20 member from both IB and ISI, while the deputy inspector general of Islamabad Police will also contribute to the efforts.