National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab has sacked 11 individuals in multiple cities across the province for allegedly spreading anti state propaganda and inciting unrest through online platforms. The action follows an ongoing monitoring effort by authorities, who claimed the suspects had been under surveillance for their alleged involvement in provocative campaigns directed at state institutions, particularly the military, through social media channels and digital networks.
According to an NCCIA Punjab spokesperson, coordinated raids were carried out in several districts, resulting in detentions from major urban centers. Authorities confirmed that two suspects were taken into custody from Lahore, three from Faisalabad, four from Multan, and one from Gujranwala. Officials stated that the operation formed part of a wider effort to monitor and curb online activity believed to be contributing to public unrest and spreading inflammatory narratives. Investigators alleged that the suspects had been using various social media platforms to publish and circulate material viewed as harmful to state institutions and public order.
Officials further said that digital evidence and social media records are currently being gathered to better understand the scale of the activity and to identify possible links, collaborators, or broader online networks connected to the accused individuals. Authorities maintained that forensic examination of devices and digital communication channels would play a central role in determining the extent of involvement and uncovering any additional individuals associated with the alleged campaigns. The suspects have reportedly been booked under various sections of Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), 2016, which governs cyber related offenses and digital misconduct in Pakistan.
NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem stated that authorities would continue taking strict legal action against individuals accused of engaging in anti state propaganda or attempting to create panic and instability among the public through digital channels. He said that no leniency would be shown in such cases and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to continuing operations targeting unlawful online activities in accordance with the law. The agency believes that monitoring digital spaces has become increasingly important as social media platforms continue to influence public discourse and information sharing at a large scale.
This latest development follows a similar operation carried out earlier this month, when NCCIA Punjab announced action against 13 individuals described as anti state social media activists in different cities of the province. At that time, the agency claimed those suspects were involved in coordinated campaigns targeting the state, including criticism directed at the military and government officials across various online platforms. Authorities also alleged that some of the earlier suspects had published content involving Gulf countries. The recent crackdown signals continued scrutiny by cybercrime authorities on digital content considered harmful to public stability and national institutions, with investigations expected to continue as officials analyze digital records and online communication patterns linked to the accused individuals.
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