Islamabad, July 13: Pakistani authorities launched a campaign against “anti-government” text messages, emails and the use of the internet by banned groups, with the interior ministry saying those found guilty of such acts will be punished with up to 14 years in jail.
“Under the directions of Interior Minister Rehman Malik, a special campaign has been launched against those who were spreading ill-motivated and concocted stories through emails and text messages against the civilian leadership,” said an Interior Ministry statement.
“A similar campaign has also been initiated against the proscribed organisations which are using the internet for malicious propaganda against the security forces,” it said.
The Federal Investigation Agency had been instructed to monitor and check anti-government messages and take action under the Cyber Crime Act. Violators could be punished with 14 years of imprisonment and confiscation of property, the ministry warned.
The statement said “strict action” would be taken “against all the culprits in the next few days as the FIA has already done a lot of work” on the issue.
Interpol had been requested to identify email addresses and websites registered abroad that are being used for spreading anti-government messages. Any Pakistani living abroad and violating the Cyber Crime Act could be charged under the law and deported to Pakistan, the statement said.
All internet service providers would be checked physically by FIA on a daily basis, it added.
The Interior Ministry’s action appears to be aimed at several groups and individuals that frequently issue SMS text messages and emails about Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership as part of their efforts to oppose the ongoing military campaign against militants in the country’s northwest.
-Agencies