ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday approved the establishment of a 10-member Joint Task Force (JTF) to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for spreading misinformation and inciting unrest following recent protests in Islamabad.
The decision follows violent demonstrations organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in November 2024, which led to clashes between PTI supporters and security forces and inflicted significant economic losses.
Composition of the Joint Task Force
The JTF will be led by the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and will include key representatives from the country’s top intelligence and law enforcement agencies, including:
- Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)
- Military Intelligence (MI)
- Intelligence Bureau (IB)
- Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing
- Ministry of Interior
Additionally, the task force will collaborate with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of IT to address the proliferation of online disinformation campaigns.
PM’s Directive and Scope of the Task Force
In a high-level meeting with government and security officials, Prime Minister Sharif condemned the misinformation campaigns and emphasized that attacks on the state’s stability would not go unanswered. He directed the JTF to:
- Identify and prosecute offenders: The task force will track down individuals and networks responsible for spreading fabricated stories about political unrest, especially during the protests from November 24 to 27, 2024.
- Investigate foreign involvement: The JTF will explore the role of international actors and platforms in amplifying anti-state narratives.
- Ensure strict legal action: Offenders will face prosecution under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws to deter future destabilizing attempts.
- Recommend policy reforms: The task force will propose updates to the legal framework to address digital misinformation more effectively, ensuring national security in the digital age.
Mandate and Timeline
The JTF’s responsibilities include:
- Exposing Propaganda Campaigns: Pinpointing sources of false narratives about the Islamabad unrest.
- Tracking Domestic and International Actors: Investigating both local and foreign entities involved in spreading disinformation.
- Legal Proceedings: Recommending actionable steps for prosecuting those behind these campaigns.
- Policy Suggestions: Closing legal loopholes to strengthen the government’s ability to combat digital propaganda.
The task force has been instructed to present its findings and actionable recommendations within 10 days.
Related Developments
The government has categorically denied allegations of using lethal force against PTI protestors and remains focused on ensuring peace and stability while countering propaganda campaigns aimed at destabilizing Pakistan.
