The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched a crackdown on alleged anti-state social media activity, arresting 13 individuals across Punjab.
According to an NCCIA spokesperson, the operation was carried out over the past few weeks on the directives of Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem, who recently assumed charge.
The arrested individuals were accused of running online campaigns against state institutions, including the government and military, on various social media platforms. Some were also allegedly involved in targeting Gulf countries through their posts.
Officials confirmed that the suspects were taken into custody from Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan, and cases have been registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. Digital evidence has also been recovered.
The NCCIA stated that misuse of social media and the spread of provocative or misleading content against state institutions is a punishable offence, and all cases will be pursued according to the law.