ISLAMABAD: The federal government has stepped up its crackdown on anti-state campaigns on social media, with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) spearheading efforts to identify and prosecute those involved.
According to official data, the NCCIA has so far registered 356 FIRs across the country against individuals accused of spreading anti-state propaganda online. Another 789 enquiries have been launched to investigate suspects allegedly posting content against state institutions.
During the recent Marka-e-Haq campaign, when anti-army content gained traction on social media, the NCCIA filed 52 cases against those accused of targeting the armed forces.
Officials said the agency also played a crucial role in supporting police investigations into the May 9, 2025 unrest, where social media was allegedly used to coordinate attacks. By analysing digital footprints and past online activity of suspects, investigators established evidence that secured convictions in cases from Lahore, Sargodha, and Mianwali.
To curb misuse of digital platforms, several Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) have been constituted. The NCCIA is also working closely with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for swift removal of harmful content, while flagged accounts are regularly sent to social media platforms for blocking.
The agency’s Open Source Intelligence Unit (OSINT) continues to monitor online activity, identifying emerging propaganda trends to counter disinformation before it spreads widely.
The government has defended these measures as essential for safeguarding national security and protecting state institutions from coordinated digital disinformation campaigns.
