Talal Chaudhry warns PTI-linked social media accounts of strict action

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Monday said that terrorist organisations and hostile elements were increasingly using social media to spread propaganda and undermine Pakistan’s national security.

Addressing a press conference after briefing the international media on terrorism against Pakistan, Talal Chaudhry said certain elements were actively working against the country’s sovereignty but said that no compromise would be made on national security.

He said that the government firmly believed in freedom of expression, but warned that social media platforms were being misused to spread false narratives and propaganda under the guise of free speech.

The minister alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was running an organised campaign against state institutions, adding that the party had long been involved in propaganda activities on social media.

“People are being paid to run trends on social media. Money is taken for each message, and coordinated campaigns are launched to push a specific narrative,” he said.

Talal Chaudhry claimed that PTI was using social media to promote a particular agenda and that many of its social media accounts were being operated from abroad.

He said that evidence of propaganda had been obtained directly from the same platforms.

He further alleged that instructions to run propaganda campaigns were shared through WhatsApp groups, while funds were provided specifically to generate trends.

According to the minister, information about individuals involved in such activities had already been collected.

The minister also claimed that trends were being run in collaboration with companies based abroad, and that fake social media accounts were being created to amplify propaganda-driven narratives.

“Elements involved in spreading false narratives are fewer inside Pakistan and more active abroad,” he said, warning that those involved should refrain from such activities or face strict action.

Speaking on terrorism, Talal Chaudhry said Pakistan condemned terrorism anywhere in the world and was itself among the countries most affected by terrorism.

“Terrorists do not belong to any religion or country. Religion is merely exploited as a tool for terrorism,” he said.

He stressed that not all social media trends reflected public opinion, adding that many of them were artificial and part of organised propaganda campaigns.