All Posts in #SectarianHate

July 4, 2025 - Comments Off on TikToker in Bahawalnagar Held Over Hate Speech

TikToker in Bahawalnagar Held Over Hate Speech

Under sections 188 and 295A of the PECA Act, a case has been filed against Abid Fayyaz, a resident of Qasimka Village. According to the registered FIR, the individual was accused of inciting sectarian hatred by posting abusive content on his TikTok account. The accused is said to have posted inflammatory content about a “specific” Muslim sect in connection to Muharram. The nature of said content has not yet been disclosed, but the TikToker is currently detained by the FIA for further investigations. In the days leading up to Muharram, the Punjab Government has ordered strict crackdowns on online hate speech, which has led to an increased deployment of the PECA Act against the identified culprits.

July 1, 2025 - Comments Off on Punjab Launches Cyber Cell to Monitor Sectarian Content Ahead of Muharram, 17 arrested

Punjab Launches Cyber Cell to Monitor Sectarian Content Ahead of Muharram, 17 arrested

In order to counter sectarianism during the month of Muharram, the Punjab Home Department has launched its first-ever cyber patrolling and quick response cell. This state-of-the-art unit will operate round the clock to keep a close eye on social media activity for hateful content and take strict legal action against violators. Within the last 24 hours alone, the Punjab police have registered 9 cases of sectarian hateful content. Within these cases, 10 people have been arrested – 8 for posts on Facebook and 2 for sharing content on WhatsApp. The arrests were made across Punjab in Sargodha, Sahiwal, Lodhran, Bhakkar, Khanewal, Rajanpur, and Layyah. This cyber cell operates in collaboration with the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). Reported material is relayed to the Special Branch, which coordinates with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block such content. So far, a total of 271 accounts have been flagged and 17 arrests made. A dedicated "Muharram e-Portal" links all districts with the central unit for streamlined coordination and reporting, while live surveillance monitors major Muharram processions and gatherings from the control room.

July 1, 2025 - Comments Off on Three Arrested in Sahiwal Over Online Blasphemy and Sectarian Hate Ahead of Ashura

Three Arrested in Sahiwal Over Online Blasphemy and Sectarian Hate Ahead of Ashura

Sahiwal police arrested three men in separate cases in the last 24 hours for alleged online hate speech, blasphemous content, and sectarian hate. As Ashura on July 6th draws closer, the Punjab government has ordered strict security measures regarding hateful content on social media. DPO Tahir said, “The police are maintaining zero tolerance to such incidents.” The police officer stressed the importance of being cautious while using online platforms and warned against using them to hurt sectarian beliefs. The arrests were made under Sections 295-A and 298-A of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), as well as Section 11 (hate speech) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2026