Joint Task Force Formed to Identify Elements Behind Anti-State Propaganda

In response to recent protests, the Government of Pakistan has formed a Joint Task Force (JTF) to identify individuals involved in spreading anti-state propaganda. The decision was taken on the orders of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to counter misleading narratives targeting national institutions and security forces.

The ten-member task force will be led by the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Its members include officials from various key departments, such as the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Director of the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crimes Wing. This multi-departmental team has been tasked with a unified approach to combating propaganda.

The JTF also includes the Director of IT from the Ministry of IT and Telecom, a Joint Director from the Intelligence Bureau, and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Islamabad Police. Representatives from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI) have also been appointed, reflecting the critical role of intelligence agencies in addressing this challenge.

According to an official notification, the task force was established in light of recent terrorist incidents and the spread of misleading information targeting Pakistan’s security forces and institutions. Authorities have accused certain elements of engaging in malicious campaigns to create unrest for their political agendas. This propaganda is believed to be an attempt to destabilize the country during a sensitive period.

The JTF will focus on identifying individuals, both within Pakistan and abroad, involved in spreading false narratives. The task force is expected to submit its recommendations to the government within ten days. Legal action will follow against those found culpable, ensuring accountability for any attempts to undermine the state’s integrity.