The government of Pakistan has formed a Joint Task Force (JTF) to investigate a massive malicious campaign aimed at discrediting the state. This move comes in response to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s claims regarding the deaths of party supporters during protests in Islamabad. The PTI alleges that at least 12 of their supporters died as a result of firing by law enforcement agencies (LEAs) during their “final call” protest, which took place between November 24 and 27, 2024. These claims have sparked controversy, with the government denying the allegations, insisting that no live ammunition was used by security forces.
Formation of the Joint Task Force (JTF)
In response to the ongoing disinformation campaign, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced the creation of a Joint Task Force (JTF) on December 1. This task force is tasked with investigating the false claims about the deaths of PTI supporters and tracking the perpetrators behind the disinformation. The campaign has been described as an effort to incite unrest and create divisions within society. The JTF will aim to identify individuals or groups, both domestic and international, who are responsible for spreading fake news and misleading information about the violence during the PTI protests.
The JTF will have a 10-day deadline to present its findings and bring the responsible parties to justice. It will be led by PTA Chairman General Hafeezur Rehman (retired) and will include senior officials from the interior ministry, information ministry, FIA cybercrime wing, Intelligence Bureau, Islamabad police, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and Military Intelligence.
PTI’s Claims of Protester Deaths
According to PTI Chairman Barrister Ali Gohar, the party stands by its claim that 12 PTI supporters died in Islamabad due to actions taken by law enforcement personnel. Gohar emphasized that the party only reported the deaths based on information it received, distancing itself from other claims that were circulating. The PTI’s statements have drawn the attention of the government, which quickly refuted the allegations.
The PTI’s claims were reportedly backed by death certificates circulating on social media. These documents were said to have been issued by Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic hospitals in Islamabad. However, the hospitals involved have publicly denied receiving bodies or individuals with gunshot wounds, casting doubt on the validity of the claims.
Government’s Denial and Accusations
The government has consistently denied the allegations, with the interior ministry categorically stating that no live ammunition was used by security forces during the PTI protests. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also issued statements refuting the social media claims, noting that major hospitals in Islamabad had “rubbished reports” of any casualties caused by LEAs.
Furthermore, the Interior Ministry accused PTI and its supporters of orchestrating a coordinated fake propaganda campaign designed to divert attention from the “failed” protests. The government suggested that old and AI-generated visuals were being used to falsely portray the situation, adding fuel to the fire of misinformation.
Malicious Campaign and Its Impact
The government’s statement on December 1 strongly condemned the use of fabricated content and images in social media campaigns. The PMO highlighted the involvement of both domestic and international media platforms in the disinformation campaign. The perpetrators aimed to create a perception of human rights violations, which could stir unrest both inside and outside the country.
The goal of the malicious campaign, as per the PMO’s statement, was to undermine the credibility of Pakistan’s security forces and create a serious law and order situation. The government has emphasized that those behind the campaign, whether in Pakistan or abroad, will be held accountable for spreading fake news and inciting hatred.
The Role of Social Media in the Disinformation Campaign
The interior ministry has pointed out that the PTI’s social media accounts were key players in the fake propaganda. Reports of deaths allegedly caused by law enforcement agencies were widely circulated, with figures ranging from dozens to hundreds of fatalities. However, the ministry asserts that these claims were entirely unfounded and based on false information.
The ministry also criticized the use of AI-generated clips and old footage to create the illusion of violence. The goal, the ministry claims, was to mislead the public and attract foreign audiences with fabricated narratives of human rights violations.
Task Force’s Mission
The JTF will focus on identifying the individuals, groups, and organizations responsible for creating and spreading false narratives. The task force will also track and trace those involved in the campaign, whether they are located within Pakistan or abroad. Once the perpetrators are identified, the task force will work to bring them to justice in accordance with the law.
The JTF will be given a 10-day deadline to complete its inquiry and propose measures to bridge policy gaps that may have allowed such campaigns to gain traction. The investigation is expected to play a crucial role in combating the spread of misinformation and protecting the integrity of Pakistan’s security forces.
The Government’s Response to PTI’s Social Media Campaign
Following the PTI’s social media campaign, the interior ministry issued statements that strongly condemned the disinformation. The ministry warned that those involved in spreading fake news would be held accountable under the law. It emphasized that the government would not tolerate any attempt to create confusion, division, or hatred in society through fake propaganda.
The PTI’s social media campaign has not only targeted the government’s credibility but has also raised concerns about provincialism and ethnic cleavages, which the government claims are being stoked for vested political interests. The PTI has consistently alleged that the government is responsible for human rights violations, but the government maintains that the PTI’s claims are part of a larger conspiracy to undermine the state’s authority.
PTI’s Ongoing Allegations and the Lack of Concrete Evidence
Despite the government’s denials, PTI leadership, including Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, has continued to allege that as many as 20 PTI supporters may have died in the protests. Additionally, PTI figures such as Sardar Latif Khosa have repeated unverified claims of hundreds of deaths. However, there is a distinct lack of official evidence, such as health authority reports, to substantiate these allegations.
Normally, after a significant incident like a terrorist attack or a major protest, health authorities issue official lists of the number of dead and injured individuals. However, in this case, healthcare institutions have not provided any official lists, raising doubts about the veracity of PTI’s claims.
Conclusion
The formation of the Joint Task Force marks a critical step in the government’s efforts to combat fake news and misinformation in the wake of the PTI protests. With a comprehensive investigation set to unfold, the government aims to hold accountable those responsible for spreading false claims and to protect the credibility of state institutions. However, the controversy surrounding the deaths of PTI supporters and the ongoing social media campaigns is likely to remain a point of contention in the country’s political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Joint Task Force (JTF) investigating? The JTF is investigating a disinformation campaign regarding alleged deaths during PTI protests, which the government claims are false and aimed at discrediting the state.
2. How many deaths did PTI claim occurred during the protests? PTI claims that 12 of its supporters died due to firing by law enforcement agencies during the protests in Islamabad from November 24-27, 2024.
3. What is the government’s stance on the allegations of deaths? The government has denied the claims, stating that no live ammunition was used by security forces and that the PTI’s allegations are part of a disinformation campaign.
4. Who is leading the Joint Task Force? The JTF is led by General Hafeezur Rehman (retired), the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
5. What will happen to those found guilty of spreading false information? Those responsible for spreading false information will be held accountable under Pakistan’s laws, and the government has vowed to take strict action against them
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