ISLAMABAD: A social media user accused of being involved in a threatening campaign against Pakistan’s Chief Justice (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has been arrested, according to Geo News, citing sources.
According to reports, the suspect was identified as Abdul Wasay, a Rawalpindi native. They said the suspect used social media to launch a “threatening campaign” against CJP Isa. He intimidated the chief justice and attempted to ruin his reputation, they said.
“The rest of the people involved in the campaign will be identified and legal action will be taken against them,” they were quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, the government has formed a joint investigation team (JIT) to investigate the components involved in defamation campaigns on social media against Supreme Court judges and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and government officers.
The JIT, led by the extra director general of the FIA Cybercrime Wing, will begin work today (Thursday).
The forum would include a 20-grade officer from Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), a 20-grade officer from the Intelligence Bureau, an Islamabad Police deputy inspector general, a representative from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, and any other co-opted representative, such as an IT expert.
“The JIT has been tasked with investigating three specific points.
“To ascertain facts behind malicious social media campaigns attempting to malign the image of honorable judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, to identify and bring the culprits to book in accordance with the relevant laws and cause presentation of challans in the courts concerned, and to recommend measures for prevention against the occurrence of such.
The JIT would present a preliminary report to the Interior Ministry within 15 days.
Meanwhile, a government spokeswoman told the media that no one is permitted to engage in harmful operations that undermine the democratic process by deceptive tactics.
According to a story published in The News today, the JIT has been entrusted with investigating a variety of actions, including the spread of false information on social media platforms, the printing of bogus ballot papers, and propaganda aimed at influencing public attitude.
The spokesperson said that a malicious effort was used to affect the loyalties of government officers. The caretaker government has stated that such behavior will not be tolerated, and anybody found responsible will face prompt and decisive action, he said.
The JIT would work with the IT professionals to collect evidence and determine the scope of the misconduct. According to the government spokeswoman, the forum will register cases and recommend appropriate sanctions against those involved.
