The Cybercrime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Karachi has registered its first case related to the dissemination of fake news. The case, filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, pertains to the spread of false information during a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in November.

The suspect, identified as Said Ur Rehman, a resident of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 1, has been named in the FIR. However, no arrests have been made so far in connection with the case.

According to the FIR, a report was received regarding a Facebook account titled Saif Ur Rehman, which was allegedly involved in propaganda against the state and its institutions. The account owner was accused of spreading fake news and using derogatory language about the state on social media platforms.

A technical analysis of the alleged Twitter account linked to the same individual revealed that it was actively involved in anti-state propaganda. Numerous posts from the account were found to contain derogatory language and attempts to incite public hatred against respected institutions.

The FIA’s investigation established that Said Ur Rehman was operating the Facebook account under the name Saif Ur Rehman. The suspect allegedly uploaded fake news targeting Pakistan’s institutions, attempting to damage their reputation. These actions were deemed punishable under Sections 9, 10, and 20 of Peca 2016, in conjunction with Section 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

The FIA stated that the posts in question aimed to incite public unrest and undermine the credibility of state institutions, constituting a serious offense under the law. This marks the first case of its kind registered by the FIA Cybercrime Wing in Karachi, highlighting the agency’s efforts to combat the spread of fake news and online propaganda