ISLAMABAD: In response to the escalating spread of anti-state propaganda following recent protests and clashes, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the establishment of a 10-member joint task force (JTF) to identify and address those responsible. The task force has been directed to submit its findings within ten days and ensure swift justice for those implicated.
An official directive from the Prime Minister’s Office highlighted a surge in malicious campaigns aimed at discrediting Pakistan and its security forces. The campaigns, orchestrated through domestic and international media platforms, allegedly use fabricated content to incite public unrest, deepen ethnic divisions, and portray grave human rights violations.
The JTF will be led by the chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and include representatives from key ministries, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence units. The task force’s responsibilities include identifying individuals and groups involved in spreading false information, tracing those operating within and outside Pakistan, and recommending policy measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Violent Clashes and Law Enforcement Measures
Interior Secretary Captain (Retd.) Khurram Agha detailed the government’s efforts to maintain order during the recent protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He explained that despite repeated warnings and the offer of a designated protest site at Sangjani, PTI demonstrators attempted to breach Islamabad’s Red Zone, a sensitive area housing key government offices and foreign embassies.
The protests escalated into violent clashes, with PTI protesters reportedly using firearms, stun grenades, and other weapons against law enforcement. The violence resulted in the deaths of three Rangers personnel and one police constable, alongside injuries to 232 law enforcement officials. Public and private property in the Blue Area suffered extensive damage, including the torching of vehicles and other assets.
In response, the Pakistan Army was deployed under Article 245 of the Constitution to secure critical installations and ensure the safety of foreign diplomats. Despite the unrest, authorities emphasized that live ammunition was not used against protesters, countering PTI claims of lethal force.
Allegations of Foreign Influence and Miscreants
Government officials accused PTI of employing trained miscreants, including illegal Afghan nationals, to spearhead the protests. Sources alleged that over 1,500 armed individuals participated in orchestrating violence, supported by resources from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government. Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused PTI leader Murad Saeed of coordinating these activities and hiding within the KP Chief Minister’s residence, claims denied by KP spokesperson Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif.
Officials also condemned PTI’s alleged use of social media to spread fabricated images and AI-generated videos to manipulate public opinion. These efforts, they claimed, sought to divert attention from the violence and paint law enforcement in a negative light.
Economic and Social Impact
The protests incurred significant losses, with direct damages estimated in the hundreds of millions of rupees and broader economic impacts amounting to Rs. 192 billion per day. Authorities recovered 39 weapons, including automatic firearms, from the protesters.
Government representatives emphasized their commitment to upholding law and order while respecting the public’s right to peaceful protest. They warned that individuals and groups perpetuating fake news and inciting unrest would face legal consequences.
As the JTF begins its investigation, officials reiterated their resolve to hold all involved parties accountable and safeguard Pakistan’s stability and unity.
