Authorities have launched a province-wide crackdown on individuals accused of spreading chaos and misinformation through social media. Police confirmed that 39 people were arrested overnight in coordinated operations across multiple cities.
Coordinated operations across Punjab
According to the police, the crackdown was conducted in Lahore, Kasur, Kamoke, Gujranwala, and Sheikhupura, targeting individuals allegedly involved in spreading provocative or false content on platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp.
Out of the total, 39 suspects were arrested from Lahore alone, while others were detained from surrounding districts in simultaneous operations.
Social media accounts traced
Police officials revealed that the social media accounts of 87 more individuals have been successfully traced and identified. These accounts were allegedly being used to spread misleading narratives and incite public unrest.
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Authorities stated that the crackdown is part of a broader effort to curb digital misinformation campaigns that threaten public order and security.
List of suspects and legal action
A comprehensive list of over 200 individuals suspected of involvement in such online activities has been compiled. Police sources confirmed that legal proceedings will be initiated once the arrest and verification process is complete.
Officials added that strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty of using social media platforms to disrupt peace or create panic.
On Monday night, state agencies mobilised against individuals allegedly spreading rumours and misinformation under the guise of protests in Muridke, reliable sources revealed.
According to the sources, the identification of those involved in running disruptive campaigns on social media had been completed. Authorities intensified surveillance of Twitter (X), Facebook, and WhatsApp accounts, with a number of suspicious accounts already under investigation, the sources added.
Crackdown planned across multiple cities
The operation was expected to extend beyond Muridke, with raids planned in various cities to apprehend individuals involved in spreading rumours and provocative content.
A list of those promoting false and inflammatory material on social media had been finalized, and over 200 arrests are anticipated during the nationwide crackdown, according to reliable officials familiar with the plan.
Monitoring and investigations intensified
Sources said that state machinery is fully alert and working round the clock to foil any conspiracy aimed at spreading chaos or disrupting public order.
Monitoring cells have been directed to closely track social media activity, identify fake accounts, and trace the origin of false news, particularly content designed to provoke public anger or incite violence.
Officials also confirmed that multiple raids are likely to begin tonight, with arrests expected to take place simultaneously in several urban centres.
