Pak to act against those spreading anti-govt. messages

Islamabad, July 13: Pakistan authorities on Sunday 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.

–PTI