The federal government has significantly increased its efforts to counter anti-state campaigns spreading through social media platforms. At the center of this operation is the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which has been tasked with identifying, investigating, and prosecuting individuals accused of targeting state institutions online. Authorities stress that these actions are aimed at preserving national security in the face of growing digital disinformation networks.

Rising Numbers of FIRs and Enquiries

According to official figures, the NCCIA has registered 356 First Information Reports (FIRs) across the country against individuals accused of running anti-state propaganda online. Beyond these cases, 789 enquiries have been initiated to further investigate those suspected of spreading harmful narratives. These numbers highlight the government’s determination to curb online activities that threaten the stability of the state.

Marka-e-Haq Campaign and Anti-Army Content

A notable phase of the government’s crackdown occurred during the Marka-e-Haq campaign, a period when anti-army posts circulated widely on social media platforms. In response, the NCCIA registered 52 separate cases against individuals allegedly involved in spreading content that targeted the armed forces. Officials confirmed that this action was necessary to deter similar attempts and to establish accountability for those engaging in such online behavior.

Role in May 9 Incident Investigations

The NCCIA has also been instrumental in supporting police investigations into the May 9, 2025 incident, a day marked by coordinated unrest allegedly fueled by online content. Investigators relied heavily on the digital expertise of the NCCIA to trace suspects. By analyzing old posts, comments, and digital footprints, authorities were able to compile evidence that contributed to the conviction of several accused individuals in cities including Lahore, Sargodha, and Mianwali. This case underscored the power of digital forensics in modern law enforcement.

Formation of Joint Investigation Teams

To strengthen the crackdown, multiple Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) have been formed. These teams bring together different law enforcement agencies to collaborate on cases that involve social media propaganda. NCCIA plays a central role in these teams by providing technical expertise and digital analysis, which are crucial in tracing networks and understanding how anti-state narratives spread across platforms.

Collaboration with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

A key aspect of the NCCIA’s strategy involves close coordination with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Harmful content identified during investigations is forwarded to the PTA, which ensures its removal from online platforms. In addition, details of accounts involved in spreading such content are shared with relevant companies for blocking. This mechanism is intended to quickly neutralize the impact of propaganda campaigns and reduce their reach before they escalate.

OSINT Unit and Monitoring Emerging Trends

The NCCIA’s Open Source Intelligence Unit (OSINT) is another vital arm of its operations. This unit monitors online activity on a continuous basis to detect early signs of anti-state propaganda campaigns. By studying trends, hashtags, and digital conversations, the OSINT team is able to predict patterns and recommend timely interventions. Officials emphasized that proactive monitoring prevents disinformation from gaining momentum and reduces the likelihood of mass dissemination.

National Security and Digital Challenges

Government representatives maintain that these measures are necessary to protect state institutions from coordinated online disinformation campaigns. With political, social, and military narratives increasingly shifting to the digital sphere, unchecked propaganda poses a direct challenge to national security. By combining law enforcement with digital monitoring, the state aims to ensure that harmful online activities are addressed swiftly and effectively.