Pakistan’s federal investigation agency (FIA) has initiated legal action against over 150 individuals, including journalists and vloggers, for allegedly spreading false information about a recent protest crackdown and maligning security agencies. The investigation focuses on claims regarding the November 26 protest involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters in Islamabad.
“The FIA has registered a case against dozens of suspects, including journalists and vloggers, for their involvement in maligning security agencies over the Nov 26 incident. Harmeet Singh, a Sikh journalist, is also among them,” an FIA official confirmed to Pakistani outlet Dawn.
Over 20 individuals have been arrested so far, accused of sharing controversial social media posts about alleged deaths during the crackdown. The PTI claims that 12 of its supporters were killed by law enforcement, an allegation denied by the government.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the formation of a joint task force to address what officials have termed as “fake news” about the protest deaths.
Charges have been brought under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. The accused are alleged to have spread false information about the events between November 24 and 27, inciting violence against state institutions. Those named include journalists Harmeet Singh, Ahmad Noorani, and several social media activists.
The government said that law enforcement did not open fire on protesters and has vowed to take action against anyone spreading misinformation.
Amnesty International has called for a transparent investigation into the incident, saying, “Yet again, protesters in Pakistan have faced a brutal and lethal crackdown shrouded in callous opacity by the authorities.” They added, “Urgent and transparent investigation is needed into the deadly crackdown on protesters. We demand a prompt, thorough, impartial, effective, and transparent investigation into the deaths and injuries of protesters.”
The PTI organised the November 26 march in Islamabad to protest against former Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s detention, defying a ban on public gatherings. Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces, with authorities using tear gas to disperse the crowd.
