The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on Tuesday launched a targeted crackdown and arrested 13 suspects accused of spreading anti-state propaganda online, particularly in the context of the ongoing Iran-Israel tensions and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for de-escalation.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Ali Waseem, the newly appointed Director of Operations for the Lahore region, said at least 13 suspects had been arrested and charged with disseminating misleading and provocative content across digital platforms.
“These are not isolated cases,” Ali said, adding that some of the material shared by the accused carried “international ramifications” and risked undermining Pakistan’s posture before the global community at a sensitive time.
He noted that certain posts had gone viral beyond Pakistan’s borders, including in neighbouring countries, drawing scrutiny and, in some instances, prompting complaints from foreign embassies.