Strict action against elements using social media to incite violence: Solangi

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi said on Thursday that some elements were using social media platforms to incite violence, which was an illegal activity.

Addressing a press conference along with Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Interfaith Harmony Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, he said the government would take strict action against such illegal activities under the law.

He said that freedom of expression under Article 19 of the Constitution was not unlimited, rather it was subject to law of the land, the official news agency reported.

Under Article 19, derogatory remarks against judiciary, armed forces and brotherly countries were not allowed, Solangi remarked.

He said that the companies earning billions of dollars from the social media platforms could not abdicate themselves from the responsibility if their platforms were used to disturb law and order in any country and incite people to violence and hatred, he maintained.

The minister said that social media platforms X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Facebook and Instagram had been continuously used for propaganda, lies, defamation of government officials and harassment, and the companies owning these platforms would have to control this illegal activity.

“The state of Pakistan will not in any way allow these platforms to spread baseless, false and fabricated propaganda in the country,” he added.

The minister said if this baseless propaganda was not stopped by these social media platforms, the state would have to take strict measures under the law.

He said there were means of legal review against any decision of the judiciary and if anyone had a complaint, a review petition could be filed.

The minister stated categorically that no one would be allowed to take the law into their hands and disturb the peace and tranquillity of the country.

“Pakistan is a peaceful country with rule of law and lawlessness and anarchy will not be allowed to be spread in the country,” he added.

He said all foreigners living in Pakistan should feel assured that they were safe and their security would be ensured by the Pakistan government.

“All foreigners living in Pakistan must feel assured that they were safe and nobody would be allowed to hurt them. They should feel safe and secure. The state of Pakistan will guarantee their safety and peace,” he added.