A recent cyber monitoring report by law enforcement agencies has uncovered the misuse of social media to spread anti-state narratives and incite sectarian tensions.
The report, covering the last 20 days, identified 19 social media trends fueling anti-state propaganda and sectarian unrest. Several trends targeted incidents in Parachinar and foreign policy issues.
Among these, six trends were anonymously operated, specifically focusing on undermining the country’s foreign policy. Other trends promoted civil disobedience and sought to exploit internal political divisions, amplifying discord within the nation.
The investigation traced the origins of many accounts driving these trends to foreign locations. Thirteen trends were linked to sectarian propaganda, particularly around the Parachinar incident, highlighting the intentional fueling of unrest.
Additionally, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) identified 42,848 websites hosting controversial content. Of these, 11,132 websites were blocked last year by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Moreover, 2,197 accounts spreading provocative material were traced, while 366 reports of harmful content were registered daily.
Authorities have emphasized the urgent need for stricter monitoring and regulation of social media platforms to curb misuse. They stress the importance of preventive measures to safeguard societal harmony and counter destabilizing attempts through digital platforms.
The findings underscore the rising challenge of combating online misinformation, which threatens national stability and social cohesion.
