Saifur Rehman, A Resident of Gulshan e Uqbal Block 1 is Accused of Using Social Media to Spread Propaganda During PTI and Becomes 1st Cybercrime Case
Saifur Rehman, a resident of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 1 in Karachi, has become the first person to be charged with spreading fake news online.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing registered the Cybercrime Case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Rehman is accused of using social media to spread propaganda during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in November, sharing false news and using derogatory language against the state and its institutions.
The FIA conducted a detailed analysis of Rehman’s Twitter account, revealing multiple posts promoting anti-state rhetoric. The account remained active throughout the investigation, consistently publishing content that undermined state institutions.
This Cybercrime Case is part of the government’s broader initiative to address anti-state propaganda. On December 6, the federal government launched a nationwide crackdown on individuals spreading negative narratives about security institutions.
Joint teams, including members from security agencies and the FIA Cyber Crime Wing, are being set up at both federal and provincial levels to arrest and investigate individuals involved in such activities. These teams will have full support from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and cybersecurity experts to effectively monitor and track harmful social media content.
On December 7, authorities also registered an FIR against 12 individuals accused of posting defamatory content on social media that targeted state institutions and disrupted public order. The suspects, from Karachi, Sanghar, Quetta, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, and Swat, are allegedly involved in promoting rebellion through inflammatory social media posts.
Furthermore, on December 3, the federal government announced plans to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to better address the spread of fake news and illegal content that becomes Cybercrime Case. The proposed amendments would define 16 categories of unlawful material, including fake news and content inciting hatred against state institutions. Violators could face up to five years in prison or a fine of Rs 1 million. The draft also includes provisions for creating a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) to oversee content regulation.