Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated inquiry against anchorperson Sami Ibrahim for transmission of anti-state videos and statements on various Social Media Platforms.
Sami was involved in spreading fake news regarding state institutions and has made imputations which were glaring attempts to incite armed forces personnel to mutiny,” said the FIA spokesperson in a press release issued here Sunday.
The Spokesperson said he (Sami) has attempted to create chaos in Pakistan through media while staying abroad. He has the opportunity to defend himself in inquiry and if he was able to defend himself, the inquiry would be closed. “If offence is made out, case will be registered against him through a FIR. He will be arrested whenever possible and prosecuted in court of law,” it further said.
The Spokesperson said, “Since he (Sami) is abroad, a Red Notice will be issued against him through Interpol. His name will be placed in Exit Control List (ECL)”.
The FIA advised all Pakistani origin expatriates living outside Pakistan to desist from spreading chaos in Pakistan while staying abroad. “Their social media posts must not be offensive and seditious. They must read Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act 2016 to make sure that their social media posts do not constitute any offence. If they commit any offence, Red Notice through Interpol cans be issued against them for their arrest.”
The FIA warned all expatriates of Pakistani origin that their names can be put on the Exit Control List if they put up “offensive and seditious” social media posts that may lead to chaos in Pakistan. “All Pakistani origin expatriates living outside Pakistan are advised to desist from spreading chaos in Pakistan while staying abroad. Their social media posts must not be offensive and seditious,” the FIA spokesperson said.
The agency directed the expatriates to read the “Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA)” to make sure that their social media posts “do not constitute any offence”.
“If they commit any offence, Red Notices through INTERPOL can be issued against them for their arrest. Their names can be put on Exit Control List. They need to avoid commission of any electronic offences,” said the FIA. It added that its advice was “only for offenders” and law-abiding persons should not worry about it.
“Any attempts by anyone staying anywhere in the world to create disturbance in Pakistan or to defame dignity of a natural person or to act against modesty of a natural person through fake news or fake videos are against the laws of Pakistan,” said the FIA. The investigation body said that “such attempts” are punishable under Pakistani laws.
“Hence anyone must avoid committing any such offences through media of any type. All Pakistani citizens are also advised to avoid commission of such offences,” said the FIA spokesperson.
“They need to avoid commission of any electronic offences. Advice is only for offenders. Law abiding people should not worry,” if further said. The spokesperson said, “any attempts by anyone staying anywhere in the world to create disturbance in Pakistan or to defame dignity of a natural person or to act against modesty of a natural person through fake news or fake videos are against the laws of Pakistan. Such attempts are punishable under Pakistani laws.” Offenders would be prosecuted in Pakistan whenever possible, it added.
