NCCIA arrests 11 in Punjab over 'anti-state online campaign', 'inciting unrest' online

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has arrested 11 people in several Punjab cities over allegations of spreading anti-state material online and provoking unrest, according to the agency’s provincial spokesperson.

The spokesperson said the suspects had been under surveillance and were allegedly involved in sharing provocative content and running campaigns against state institutions, particularly the army, through social media and other online platforms.

Raids carried out in multiple cities

According to the NCCIA spokesperson, raids were conducted on Thursday, leading to arrests in different parts of the province. Two suspects were taken into custody in Lahore, three in Faisalabad, four in Multan and one in Gujranwala on charges related to anti-state propaganda and creating unrest among the public.

The spokesperson said digital evidence and social media records were being collected from those arrested in an effort to trace their possible networks and online activity. The suspects have been booked under various sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.

Agency says crackdown will continue

NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem said the agency would not show leniency to those accused of anti-state propaganda and attempts to create panic and instability among the public.

He said the operation against such elements would continue and that strict legal action would be pursued in accordance with the law.

Earlier this month, the NCCIA Punjab had also announced the arrest of 13 alleged anti-state social media activists from different cities of the province. The agency had said those suspects were involved in an online campaign against the state, especially the army and government officials, across multiple social media platforms. It had also alleged that some of them posted content targeting Gulf countries.