500+ Social Media Accounts Under Fire in Pakistan

In a major development, Pakistan’s caretaker government has uncovered more than 500 social media accounts allegedly involved in spreading anti-judiciary and anti-state propaganda. Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi revealed that these accounts launched a targeted campaign against Supreme Court judges following the January 13 verdict that stripped Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of its iconic cricket bat symbol.

To investigate this coordinated effort, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was formed on January 16, including representatives from the FIA, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), ISI, IB, and Islamabad Police. The FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing, led by Waqaruddin Syed, has identified around 550 accounts — 290 of which belong to journalists, lawyers, politicians, influencers, and TikTokers. Two top Pakistani models were also linked to the campaign.

Notable names under scrutiny include PTI leader Dr. Shahbaz Gill and YouTuber Moeed Pirzada, both accused of orchestrating content from abroad. The campaign allegedly generated over one million posts targeting the judiciary and the Pakistan Army.

The authorities are now conducting forensic audits of the content, signaling a stern response to what is being treated as a serious national security concern. This action reflects the state’s push to curb digital defamation of its institutions.