The federal government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has approved the formation of a 10-member Joint Task Force (JTF) to investigate and take action against those involved in spreading malicious propaganda targeting the state of Pakistan. The task force has been given a deadline of 10 days to present its findings and recommendations.
The primary objectives of the JTF are as follows:
- Identification of Key Individuals and Groups: The JTF will focus on identifying individuals, groups, and organizations responsible for creating and spreading fake or misleading news regarding political events in Islamabad between November 24-27, 2024. This includes examining the broader media campaign surrounding the issue.
- Tracking and Tracing Responsible Parties: The task force will investigate both domestic and international individuals or entities involved in the disinformation campaign, with the intention of bringing them to justice under the law.
- Policy Recommendations and Preventive Measures: In addition to identifying culprits, the JTF will suggest policies and measures to address existing gaps in the system and prevent the spread of false narratives in the future.