Latest news with #PreventionofElectronicCrimesAct
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Govt urges crackdown on 'digital terrorism'
The government on Friday urged the social media companies to immediately remove terrorist contents from their platforms using artificial intelligence (AI), stressing global cooperation against digital terrorism, including data sharing. Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad with Minister of State for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry emphasised that the removal of terrorist contents from social media did not intended to silence freedom of expression, but to build a wall against the menace. "I want to request social media operators and platforms to cooperate with us on the blockade and removal of accounts, taking measures to stop mirror accounts and to share information of account holders who are operating these accounts," Chaudhry said. Earlier this week, Chaudhry had highlighted how a terrorist group was using WhatsApp channels to "disseminate hateful content and harmful narratives". He told the joint presser that 2,417 complaints related to terrorism on social media were under consideration by the relevant authorities. "Pakistan is a bulwark against terrorism. We have detected hundreds of social media accounts linked to terrorism. Outfits like TTP, IS-K, BLA and BLF are spreading propaganda and recruiting youth through the social media," he said. On the occasion, Barrister Aqeel said that terrorism and propaganda were punishable offenses under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca). "Pakistan has demanded closure of terrorist accounts, automatic blocking, and access to data from social media platforms," he said.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan calls on tech firms to curb terror content
Pakistan has ramped up efforts to counter online extremism by urging international social media companies to take stronger action against terrorist content, while inviting them to establish local offices in the country, senior officials said Friday. 'We are building walls against terrorism, not silencing free speech,' said Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhary, during a press briefing outlining Pakistan's new digital security push. He said Pakistan remains a 'global bulwark in the fight against terrorism' and has detected hundreds of terrorism-linked accounts on platforms like Facebook, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). According to the Ministry of Interior, groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) are actively using social media to spread propaganda and recruit youth. The government said 2,417 complaints related to terrorist content are currently under review, and platforms must respond with urgency. 'Social media companies must use AI to swiftly remove terrorist content,' Chaudhary said. Officials noted that the United Nations has banned ISKP and TTP, while the US and UK have designated BLA a terrorist organisation, adding weight to Pakistan's demands. Minister of Law Barrister Aqeel said promoting terrorist ideology is 'a punishable offence under PECA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act),' and warned that 'offenders will face prosecution.' The government has called on global platforms to block terrorist accounts, share IP data and user metadata with authorities and develop and implement automatic detection and blocking algorithms. To facilitate cooperation, Islamabad invited foreign social media firms to establish offices in Pakistan and support efforts to counteract digital radicalisation. 'Pakistan urges international cooperation to counter digital terrorism threats,' Chaudhary said, adding that the country's call aligns with global security efforts.
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Salman Akram Raja announces nationwide PTI protest for August 5
Listen to article Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has called for a nationwide protest on August 5, urging the public to rally behind what he described as a 'historic movement.' Framing the party's struggle as a fight for national sovereignty rather than mere political survival, Raja appealed for mass participation to defend democratic rights. Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Monday alongside senior PTI leaders, he condemned what he called unconstitutional actions targeting PTI lawmakers, describing a broader crackdown on dissent. He criticised the Punjab Assembly's decision to send references against 26 PTI members to the Election Commission of Pakistan, calling the move unlawful and politically motivated. 'Our members will continue to raise their voices against this unconstitutional step,' he said. Raja accused the government of systematically sidelining over 100 elected PTI members through the manipulation of Form-47 during the electoral process. 'This is not just political engineering—it is an assault on the people's mandate,' he asserted. He further alleged that the May 9 protests were deliberately misrepresented, claiming that what began as a peaceful demonstration was later portrayed as a violent conspiracy. He called for the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events and demanded the release of CCTV footage to substantiate the allegations made against PTI supporters. 'In jail, Imran Khan continues to praise our assembly members for standing firm,' Raja noted, adding that the PTI founder has been denied both legal and family access and is being subjected to harsh conditions, including long hours without ventilation. He warned that Pakistan's political and judicial systems were at a critical juncture, describing July 21 as potentially 'a dark day in political and judicial history.' Raja criticised the state's use of anti-sedition laws and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to suppress dissent in both politics and journalism. He also rejected speculation about internal deals within the party, maintaining that PTI members remain united and committed to their political stance. 'We are not stepping back. If someone dropped their reference, it does not mean there was a deal,' he clarified. Reaffirming the party's constitutional position, Raja said, 'Disqualification is only possible under Articles 62 and 63. No one can be disqualified beyond that.' He added that truth-telling had effectively been criminalised and expressed concern over the erosion of freedom of expression. The press conference took a contentious turn when a journalist asked whether Raja's rhetoric was aimed at keeping PTI's founder behind bars, and inquired about the nature of the planned protest. Raja responded calmly, stating that he had recently met with PTI leader Aliya Hamza to discuss organisational matters. However, PTI MPA Farrukh Javed Moon interrupted, labelling the journalist's question 'stupid' and telling him to 'lower your voice,' accusing him of being disrespectful. The confrontation prompted Moon to walk out of the press conference, while other journalists protested his behaviour. Raja attempted to de-escalate the situation and urged restraint. Despite the disruption, he reiterated PTI's willingness to engage in dialogue and accountability. 'We want the truth to prevail—if someone deserves punishment, let justice take its course. But let us not punish political dissent,' he said. Raja concluded by affirming that PTI remains strong both inside and outside Parliament and dismissed ongoing efforts to sideline the party as futile. 'The people are still with Imran Khan,' he said. 'Whether it's the 27th or 28th constitutional amendment—it won't change the truth.'
Express Tribune
17-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Couple held for running 'honey trap' scheme
Police in Rawalpindi have arrested a couple allegedly involved in a 'honey trap' scheme, targeting government employees. The couple reportedly lured victims to their home, recorded inappropriate videos, and used the footage to extort money. If demands were not met, the videos were allegedly leaked on social media. According to police, the case was registered at Race Course police station on the complaint of a government employee, Usman Abbasi. The suspectsidentified as Raheel Nasir alias Zain Shah and his wife Uroojwere charged under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), including Section 21 related to video-related offenses. The couple allegedly contacted government employees under the pretence of helping them secure jobs, collected their phone numbers for references, and then used Urooj's phone to invite them home. Once there, Raheel reportedly used threats and weapons to forcefully record compromising videos. The complainant stated that he was invited to a house on Range Road, forced at gunpoint to undress, recorded, and later extorted for Rs200,000. The suspects allegedly demanded and received an additional Rs510,000. When further payment was not made, the explicit videos were sent to the complainant's friends. The FIR notes that the accused also targeted the complainant's friends through similar methods.
Express Tribune
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Minister shrugs off PECA criticism
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar speaks to Voice of America in an interview. Photo: Screengrab/VoA Information Minister Atta Tarar said on Wednesday that amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the establishment of a new national agency are aimed at tackling rising digital threats — not suppressing freedom of expression. Speaking in Islamabad, Tarar said the legislation is designed to improve accountability in the online space and protect vulnerable communities. The remarks by the minister come amid growing concerns around freedom of speech in the country. Earlier on Friday, an Islamabad court suspended an order that had banned 27 YouTube channels operated by journalists and commentators. The ban had been imposed by a lower court following a request from the newly formed National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which accused the channels of spreading anti-state and defamatory content. The move was enabled under provisions of the PECA. "These laws are not meant to suppress free speech," he said. "Even the best democracies maintain systems of justice and accountability." He said the legislation seeks to make online spaces safer, particularly for women and vulnerable communities. "The digital space must protect, not endanger, those already at risk in society," he added. Tarar warned that the misuse of social media poses one of the most serious challenges of the modern era. Citing a World Economic Forum report, he said the negative use of digital platforms represents a global threat. "Fake news and propaganda are among the most dangerous issues facing societies today," he said. "Anyone can easily incite violence on these platforms." He blamed all political parties for contributing to the unchecked growth of online misinformation and called for a national effort to promote responsible digital conduct. Information minister noted the rapid expansion of social media and the shift from traditional print to electronic and digital platforms, which, he said, evolved with little oversight. He urged political leaders to use their platforms to raise awareness around societal issues such as gender discrimination and patriarchy. While entertainment and fashion accounts attract millions of followers, he said, social media should also be used for constructive and inclusive dialogue. "Social media should work under a new framework to address real social issues," he concluded.
