LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Monday arrested a man on charges of running defamatory Twitter trends targeting the prime minister.
A case has also been registered against Sabir Mahmood Hashmi, claimed to be a member of the social media wing of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), after the Cyber Crime Wing of the agency conducted an operation in the Model Town neighbourhood of Lahore.
According to the FIA, Hashmi was accused of running “indecent” trends against Khan.
The agency has also seized his mobile phone and other belongings.
Earlier, Prime Minister Khan chaired a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), during which he expressed displeasure over the indecent trend that consisted of personal attacks.
Condemning the act, the premier called it “cheap and intolerable”, adding that “such elements cannot be left unchecked and their actions have to be condemned.”
On the other hand, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Shahbaz Gill said the government has approached the courts against an activist who issued “insulting and fabricated” statements about First Lady Bushra Maneka.
The SAPM said that “strict legal action will be taken against those who spread false news about the first lady.”
A day ago, a journalist claimed Maneka had “gotten into a fight with PM Imran Khan” and had left Bani Gala for Lahore to stay at her friend, Farah Khan’s house. The rumour soon started spreading on social media and WhatsApp groups.
When approached by Geo News, Farah Khan also refuted the news of the couple’s alleged fight and separation and denied that the first lady was staying at her place.
