ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, Azhar Mashwani has come under fire for allegedly orchestrating malicious social media campaigns aimed at spreading chaos and disorder in Pakistan.
The investigation, initiated under Section 30 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2018, aims to address the malicious campaigns orchestrated by Mashwani, which are alleged to have disrupted public order and national security, The Scoop (TS) has learnt.
Mashwani is accused of using digital platforms to incite instability, A letter issued by the Office of the Inspector General of Police summoned Mashwani to appear before a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on 10th September 2024. The letter explicitly states that Mashwani’s social media activities have contributed to “creating chaos and disorder” in the country, disrupting public peace and security. The investigation seeks to probe his involvement in these nefarious activities and gather further evidence.
In a vague and evasive response, the copy of which is also available with TS, Mashwani, currently residing in the United Kingdom, refused to appear before the JIT in person. He challenged the legal grounds of the notice, accusing the authorities of failing to provide the necessary details regarding the investigation. In his letter, Mashwani requested the withdrawal of the notice, claiming it was “illegal, whimsical, and beyond jurisdiction.”
Rather than directly addressing the serious allegations against him, Mashwani’s statement sought clarifications on technical legalities, such as the scope and authority of the JIT and the laws under which it was constituted. He further questioned the evidence being used against him and asked for details of the complainant.
Mashwani also stated his willingness to cooperate, but only through video-link or via the Pakistan High Commission in London, raising further suspicions about his reluctance to face the investigation head-on.
Sources within the investigation told TS, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the authorities have compelling evidence linking Mashwani’s social media activities to unrest in Pakistan. The probe is part of a broader effort to tackle the misuse of social media in undermining national security and public order.
This latest scoop sheds light on the growing concern over the use of digital platforms to incite violence and destabilise the country. As the investigation into Mashwani’s role continues, authorities are determined to hold those accountable who seek to weaponise social media for disruptive purposes.
