Peshawar Police Warn of Legal Action Over Fake News
NCCIA Expands Monitoring of Fake News Across Pakistan
ُPESHAWAR: (Staff Reporter) – Peshawar police on Wednesday warned that individuals spreading fake news, misleading information and manipulated videos to create fear and confusion could face legal action under relevant laws through the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
Police urged the public to verify information before sharing news on social media or other digital platforms, stressing that legal responsibility also applies in the online world.
The warning comes as the NCCIA has stepped up efforts to tackle what it describes as fake news and anti-state propaganda. On Sunday, an agency spokesperson announced the establishment of dedicated units to monitor and address such content across the country.
In a statement, the spokesperson said the special units had been activated in all regions to monitor cyberspace. The agency would use its available resources to ensure swift justice for citizens, the spokesperson added.
NCCIA Director General Ali Nasir Rizvi reiterated the agency’s position, declaring that there was a zero-tolerance policy towards fake news and anti-state propaganda.
Pakistan has increased its monitoring of online content in recent years, with authorities maintaining that such measures are necessary to tackle misinformation, cybercrime and threats to national security.
However, rights organisations, journalists and digital freedom advocates have expressed concerns that stricter online controls could restrict freedom of expression and potentially be used to target dissenting voices.
Police have advised citizens to exercise caution when sharing online content and to confirm its authenticity before circulating unverified reports or edited videos.
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