ISLAMABAD: Over 0.4 Million social media accounts have been exposed for spreading blasphemous content in Pakistan.
The cyber-crime wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) filed a report disclosed about the spread of blasphemous content. The Legal Commission has investigated the whole scenario at the Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony claimed in a statement. It says that people spreading blasphemous content are launching campaigns on social media platforms. The purpose of these campaigns is to distribute blasphemous content against Islam’s most respected personalities as well as the national flag.
The report revealed that such offensive content uses different images and videos on specific websites, applications, and groups.
According to the ministry, the fundamental goal of this trend is to cause confusion and chaos in Pakistan. As a result it will disrupt peace and security and will plant seeds of enmity among various religious communities and sects.
According to the report, there are different conspiratorial ways to commit this blasphemy. These may include using various accounts with such names that appear to belong to a specific church or sect. All of this is happening just to defame and disrespect the opposing religions or sects.
The ministry also stated that the destructive consequences of social media on society have become a major cause of worry. It emphasized the urgent requirement for awareness among the society in order to prevent the misuse of social media. This is to prevent the spread of disparaging and inappropriate content
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Govt amending PECA to discourage propaganda
Meanwhile, to combat the dissemination of fake news and propaganda, the government of Pakistan has made the decision to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act of 2016 (PECA). Other relevant laws are being studied.
Last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee under Law and Justice Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, which has nearly completed its task with the assistance of the Ministry of Information Technology (MIT), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The proposed amendments aim to address fake news and propaganda targeting individuals, groups, organizations, and entities that harm their reputation or image. The amendments may enhance the authority of the PTA and FIA in checking fake news by amending social media rules.
In addition, authorities are introducing an “e-safety law” to protect official portals. A new section in PECA may be included to empower authorities to take stringent action against offenders.
Authorities at the PTA believe that the current PECA, enacted in 2016, does not provide sufficient assistance in taking action against those spreading fake news. Consequently, the FIA has faced difficulties in addressing complaints related to fake news and taking appropriate action.
Complaints have surged in recent months regarding a group of individuals damaging the reputation of specific organizations and individuals. However, authorities have been unable to take action against the perpetrators due to existing limitations.
