The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab has arrested 11 individuals in different cities of the province over allegations of spreading anti-state propaganda and inciting unrest among the public. According to the spokesperson, separate cases have been registered against the suspects and further investigations are underway.
The NCCIA stated that the operations were conducted on the directives of Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem.
The agency said that individuals involved in spreading provocative content and running campaigns against state institutions through social media and other online platforms had been under surveillance, following which raids were carried out in multiple cities.
According to the spokesperson, three individuals including Ghaus Siddiq and Azhar were arrested from Lahore. In Faisalabad, three suspects identified as Zeeshan, Zahoor and Tariq were taken into custody during a separate operation. Similarly, four individuals – Asif, Farhan, Sohail and Zubair – were arrested from Multan, while Ejaz was detained from Gujranwala on charges of anti-state propaganda and creating unrest among the public.
The spokesperson further said that digital evidence and social media records are being collected from the arrested individuals to trace their possible networks and online activities.
Director NCCIA Punjab Muhammad Ali Waseem stated that no leniency would be shown towards those involved in anti-state propaganda and attempts to spread panic and instability among the public.
He added that the crackdown against such elements would continue and strict legal action would be taken in accordance with the law.