Cabinet approves JIT to probe social media campaign against ECP, govt officials

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has given the green light to a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the malicious social media campaign against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and government officials accusing them of involvement in rigging elections.

The five-member JIT, headed by the Additional Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), will include officers from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

According to sources, the cabinet approved the formation of the JIT on the summary of the Ministry of Interior, which was circulated among the cabinet members.

The JIT will identify the culprits behind the propaganda, register cases against them, and suggest measures to prevent such pressure tactics in the future. The JIT will also seek the assistance of IT experts during the investigation.

The social media campaign against the ECP and government officials was launched after the opposition parties alleged rigging and manipulation in the elections.

The campaign accused the ECP of being biased and incompetent, and targeted the government officials for their role in the electoral process. The campaign was condemned by the ECP and the government a violation of Article 5 of the Constitution, which requires loyalty to the state and obedience to the constitution and law.