NCCIA registers case against man over misleading social media posts

ISLAMABAD: The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has registered a case against an accused involved in spreading misleading, false and baseless information against state institutions on social media.

Considered to be close aide of DG NCCIA while talking to Minute Mirror further revealed that NCCIA has recovered 3 mobile phones from the possession of the accused Muhammad Sarwar Arif. The recovered mobile phones have been sent for forensic analysis to retrieve further digital evidence.

Considered to be close aide of DG NCCIA while talking to Minute Mirror further revealed that during initial investigation, evidence has emerged of involvement in spreading false and baseless content through social media platforms with intent to cause disaffection, hatred and mistrust against state institutions.

FIR DETAILS

Considered to be close aide of DG NCCIA while talking to Minute Mirror further revealed that a case has been registered under relevant sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 as amended by PECA (Amendment) Act 2025.

The accused Muhammad Sarwar Arif was allegedly running multiple social media accounts/pages and was involved in dissemination of fabricated content, doctored videos and misleading narratives targeting state institutions.

RECOVERY AND FORENSIC ANALYSIS

Considered to be close aide of DG NCCIA while talking to Minute Mirror further revealed that:

1. NCCIA Cybercrime Reporting Center team conducted raid after completing legal formalities and verification of complaints.
2. Three smart phones used in the commission of offence have been taken into custody through proper seizure memo.
3. All three devices have been sent to NCCIA’s state-of-the-art Digital Forensic Lab Islamabad for in-depth forensic analysis to retrieve deleted data, chat history, social media logins, and network of accomplices.
4. Further investigation is underway to trace funding, foreign links and coordinated disinformation network, if any.

BACKGROUND – NCCIA CRACKDOWN UNDER NEW COMMAND

Considered to be close aide of DG NCCIA while talking to Minute Mirror further revealed that this action comes just days after Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, Grade-20 PSP officer, assumed charge as Director General NCCIA. Rizvi was appointed vide Establishment Division Notification No. 12(10)/2004-E-3(Police) dated September 12, 2026 for a non-extendable term of three years.

Since assuming charge, DG NCCIA has ordered:

– Zero tolerance against organized disinformation campaigns, anti-state propaganda, and malicious campaigns against institutions.
– Fast-tracking of high-profile cases related to fake news, deep-fakes and impersonation of state institutions.
– Expansion of manpower – 40 Islamabad Police officers deployed (Order No. 3640-43/E-I dated 11-09-2026), 53 officers assigned as SHO CCRCs, and request sent to Ministry of Interior for deputation of 27 FIA Counter Terrorism Wing officers and 115 more officers from Islamabad Police for 3 years.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Under PECA 2016, spreading false information against state institutions, dignity of a natural person (Section 20), cyberstalking (Section 24), and hate speech (Section 11) are punishable offences.

The right of citizens is protected under Sections 11, 20 and 24 of PECA.

OFFICIAL STANCE

Considered to be close aide of DG NCCIA while talking to Minute Mirror further revealed that NCCIA is committed to protecting the digital ecosystem of Pakistan and will not allow any individual or group to misuse social media to spread anarchy, disinformation or to malign state institutions.

> “Social media is not above the law. Freedom of expression does not mean freedom to spread false and malicious content against the state. NCCIA will act strictly as per law while ensuring due process and forensic-based investigation,” considered to be close aide of DG NCCIA while talking to Minute Mirror further revealed.

Further investigation is underway and more arrests are expected.

PUBLIC ADVISORY:

NCCIA has advised citizens to verify information before sharing on social media and report any fake news/disinfo at Helpline 1799 / helpdesk@nccia.gov.pk / http://complaint.nccia.gov.pk