Pakistan Government Moves to Curb Terrorist Groups’ Social Media Activities and Crack Down on Illegal SIMs

Islamabad: The government of Pakistan has decided to intensify its efforts against terrorist organizations and restrict the use of social media by banned militant groups. This decision was made during a meeting of the National Action Plan (NAP) Contact Committee, chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

The meeting discussed the need for comprehensive measures to curb the online presence and activities of outlawed terrorist organizations. The committee resolved to block the social media accounts of these banned groups with the help of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). In addition, a strategic approach will be adopted by provincial authorities to tackle the issue of illegal SIM card usage.

The committee also directed senior officials from PTA and other relevant agencies to attend the next meeting with effective operational strategies to combat the growing threat of terrorism.

According to media reports, there is a perception that the timing of this decision may have political implications, particularly given that several government ministers have previously referred to the opposition party, PTI, not just as a political entity, but as a violent group. In the wake of the imposition of Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the banning of PTI, ministers have alleged that hardcore criminals used PTI’s protests as a cover to carry out violent activities.

In terms of security measures, the briefing during the meeting highlighted that by October 2024, Pakistan had conducted 7,984 intelligence-based operations, resulting in the killing of 206 terrorists. The Interior Minister condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and informed the meeting that a National Fusion Center had been established for better coordination between agencies.

Minister Naqvi also emphasized the need to enhance the professional capabilities of Counter-Terrorism Forces in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and called for increased support to strengthen police forces and the Frontier Constabulary in these provinces.