The caretaker federal government has set up a joint investigation team (JIT) to address allegations of a social media campaign against government officials and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) members related to rigging claims in the February 8 polls. The JIT’s purpose is to identify and prosecute those responsible under relevant laws.
In a separate development, the Sindh High Court has directed authorities to respond by March 5 in a case concerning internet restrictions. The court expressed concerns about the decision to block communications on polling day.
The interior ministry issued a notification stating that the JIT, formed under Section 30 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, will be led by an additional director general of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Other members will include representatives from the Inter-Services Intelligence, Intelligence Bureau, Nadra, and the PTA. The JIT may also engage IT experts if needed to investigate the alleged malicious social media campaign.
Both the ECP and the government have labeled the campaign as a violation of Article 5 of the Constitution, which mandates loyalty to the state and adherence to the Constitution and laws.
