The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated a widespread operation against social media activists accused of spreading fake propaganda nationwide. The operation, led by the Cybercrime Wing, has resulted in numerous arrests and the registration of multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) in various regions.

According to FIA officials, Punjab has been a significant focus, with 26 individuals arrested and 66 FIRs registered, including several in Lahore. Islamabad’s Cybercrime Wing has registered 51 FIRs, while in Multan, 14 individuals have been apprehended, and over 30 cases have been filed. In Sindh, 16 FIRs were registered in Karachi, four in Sukkur, and five in Hyderabad, while Quetta reported three FIRs. Nationwide, 30 social media activists have been arrested for their alleged involvement in spreading misinformation and propaganda.

On December 11,  a notification issued by the Ministry of IT nullified the rules of the National Cybercrimes and Investigation Agency and transferred authority to “investigate and prosecute cybercrimes” back to the FIA.