Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has been booked under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) following social media and media remarks allegedly harming the reputation of state and national security institutions.
The FIR was lodged at the Islamabad Cyber Crime Reporting Centre, naming a sub-inspector from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) as the complainant. Legal authorities cited Afridi’s videos and statements as containing false, misleading, and derogatory content.
Allegations and Social Media Circulation
The case follows Afridi’s media talk outside Adiala Jail, where he reportedly made statements deemed “false, misleading, derogatory, and intimidating” against state institutions. Videos of these remarks were also shared through the official social media channels of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the ruling party in KP.
The FIR alleges that Afridi was involved in preparing, publishing, sharing, and circulating content intended to incite violence, create panic, promote anti-state sentiments, and undermine the security, integrity, and stability of Pakistan.
Investigation Entrusted to NCCIA
Following the case registration, the investigation was assigned to NCCIA Sub-Inspector Waseem Khan. Authorities are examining the impact of the social media content and assessing potential violations of PECA provisions.
Response from Interior Ministry
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned Afridi’s remarks, stating that they were “intolerable, baseless, and factually incorrect.” He emphasized that such comments disrespected the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces, particularly in KP, where many soldiers have embraced martyrdom.
Naqvi further criticized the chief minister, suggesting his statements were an attempt to appease Pakistan’s “eternal enemy.” He highlighted that the services and sacrifices of the armed forces are globally acknowledged and essential to national peace and security.
Call for Apology
The Interior Minister demanded that KP CM Afridi issue a public apology for allegedly inciting anti-state sentiments and maligning the security forces. Naqvi stressed that no patriotic individual could justify the remarks against Pakistan’s courageous officers and soldiers.
Implications of the PECA Case
This case underscores the seriousness of defaming state institutions under the PECA Act, particularly when content is circulated through social media. It also highlights the legal accountability of public office holders when their statements may incite unrest or tarnish institutional reputation.
Authorities continue to monitor the case, and the outcome could set a precedent for similar incidents involving political leaders and social media communications.
