Those disseminating false information should be called “digital terrorists.”
![](https://www.servepak.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/firewall-social-media-pakistan-780x470.jpg)
According to sources, by designating these people as “digital terrorists,” the government intends to stop the spread of harmful content on the internet.
“Those who spread propaganda against state institutions and personalities on social media will be considered digital terrorists,” according to the sources.
A proposal that has been produced by the Ministry of Law and Justice has reportedly been sent to the federal cabinet for speedy approval. This plan further states that courts may try such elements under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) only with the federal cabinet’s permission, which will be obtained through circulation.
“Strict legal action will be taken against those elements spreading propaganda,” the sources stated.
Additional district and sessions judges, as well as civil judges East and West, will have the jurisdiction to rule over trials relating to digital terrorism under the PECA if granted by circulation from the federal cabinet. The purpose of this action is to provide prompt justice and speed up the judicial process.
Sources stressed that “tough legal action will be taken against those spreading propaganda.”
Lt Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the military’s spokesperson, coined the term “digital terrorists” for the first time last week while speaking to the media following the Bannu peace march. Numerous people were said to have died after the military in Bannu opened fire on demonstrators who were peaceful.
“After the Bannu incident, digital terrorists also mobilized, creating a ruckus that the army opened fire on unarmed people,” he said.
He went on to say that “digital terrorists” used lies and fake news to force their beliefs on others, and that occasionally their identities and whereabouts are even unknown. “The army is the target of cyberterrorists. He emphasized that while internet terrorists must be stopped by law and monitoring, physical terrorists can be killed through operations.
According to Lt Gen Chaudhry, “digital terrorists” are elevated to hero status in the name of free speech. “Digital terrorism will grow more if it is not curbed. “How many people who spread fake news have been proceeded against?” asked he.