The minister says providing such information can “seriously damage” Pakistan's ties with friendly and brotherly countries.
- The spread could “seriously damage” Pakistan's ties, the minister says.
- It also “harms” Pakistan's strategic and economic interests, he adds.
- The perpetrators will be charged under the Official Secrets Act 2023.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Monday that the government has taken “strict attention to the unauthorized dissemination of confidential and classified information” in the wake of the emergence of classified documents on social media platforms.
On
“Dissemination of such information can seriously damage Pakistan's relations with its friends and brotherly countries, besides harming Pakistan's strategic and economic interests,” the minister wrote in his post.
He added that the federal government, in this context, has decided to register cases under the Official Secrets Act, 2023 against all those persons who are directly or indirectly involved in the disclosure or dissemination of secret information or documents.
“The penalty for this crime is two years in prison and [a] good,” he said.
The defense minister's statement comes days after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a bill to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 as part of the federal government's move to regulate social media through legislation.
Last week, Geographic news I learned from sources that under the PECA Amendment Bill 2024, the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority has also been suggested.
The authority will be under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information Technology and will aim to advise the government on matters related to digital rights, ensure responsible use of the Internet and enforce regulations.
You will collaborate with social media platforms to facilitate the promotion of a positive digital ecosystem. It will also regulate online content, investigate violations of the new PECA law on social media and take action against violators.
The proposed authority may require information from the persons involved and witnesses. It may also establish rules to enforce laws related to digital rights and create a safe and trustworthy digital environment while promoting the protection of online users and safeguarding fundamental rights.
