According to Geo News, the federal government has decided to crack down on users of social media who upload anything that is considered offensive.
After being heckled by PTI supporters at a restaurant on the Islamabad-Lahore Motorway last week, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal made the decision.
Following the media attention generated by the viral footage of the PMLN leader receiving heckles at a fast food restaurant last week, the family apologized to Ahsan Iqbal.
On Friday, the federal interior secretary, the Punjab IGP, the FIA DG, the acting chairman of Nadra, Khalid Latif, and other officials attended a meeting that was presided over by interior minister Rana Sanaullah.
It was determined to take action against those who post defamatory content on social media and use aliases during the discussion, which also covered issues of harassing citizens and posting “immoral videos” online.
The officials also discussed the problems of citizen blackmail and character assassination.
The participants talked about creating “effective” rules to combat online crimes, particularly harassment and the uploading of offensive material.
To bring about the required changes to PECA 2016 on the subject of harassment and defamation, it was decided to form a working group.
After discussion and agreement with all parties involved, the panel will issue its recommendations.
Rana Sanaullah ordered strong action to be taken against individuals involved in cybercrime and stated that it was never acceptable to damage the reputation of residents through malicious content and character assassination.
He claimed that the dissemination of “immoral” and offensive content on social media was causing fear of disruption and instability in society and issued a warning that anyone responsible would face harsh, nondiscriminatory punishment.
The interior minister added that people who violate societal moral standards should face zero tolerance from the relevant agencies.
Additionally, he asked the people to report their complaints to the FIA’s contact information with instructions for the appropriate authorities to handle them right away.
To read our blog “Black magic-professing social media gang in Muzaffargarh is destroyed,” click here.
