Government legislation allows FIA to counter social media propaganda
The government of Pakistan has decided to empower the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) by legislation to stop individuals from doing propaganda on different social media platforms.
According to local media reports, the Federal government is keen to take action against those who promote and create propaganda on social media.
The federal government has decided to empower the FIA by adding Article 505 of PPC to the agency’s Act.
According to this legislation, whoever makes controversial remarks, comments, tweets, or makes a video criticizing can go behind bars for seven years.
The FIA will now have powers to take action on social media that attempt to harm state institutions such as the army, navy, air force, or anything on social media that is likely to cause a mutiny.
The investigative agency had to take approval from the Ministry of Interior to arrest anyone posting comments on social media.
Courts have also often questioned FIA’s jurisdiction, especially in the recent arrest of PTI leaders Azam Swati and Saifullah Niazi. The main purpose is to end the debate on FIA’s jurisdiction while arresting.
It should also be mentioned that several prime-time and aspiring journalists use social media platforms most importantly Twitter and YouTube to give their opinion on political matters.
According to media reports, approval of this legislation is subject to the Prime Minister’s return from Saudi Arabia.
Source: Minute minor
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