Islamabad: Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Monday accused the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of running a coordinated social media campaign against state institutions, alleging that some of the activity is operated from abroad and monetized through paid online trends.
Speaking at a news conference in Islamabad, Chaudhry said the government was monitoring what it described as organized digital activity that threatens national security, while insisting it remains committed to freedom of expression.
Allegations of coordinated online activity
Chaudhry said PTI-linked social media accounts were systematically targeting national institutions, adding that many of the accounts were allegedly being managed from outside Pakistan.
Furthermore, he claimed individuals were paid to generate social media trends, with money exchanged for each message, hashtag or coordinated campaign. According to Chaudhry, such practices turn political messaging into a commercial operation designed to manipulate public discourse.
Moreover, he alleged that similar techniques were being used to amplify content linked to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which Pakistan designates as a terrorist organization.
Claims of security threats
Transitioning to broader concerns, Chaudhry said terrorist groups were increasingly using social media platforms to spread narratives and recruit support.
“Some elements are actively working against Pakistan’s security,” he said, warning that digital platforms were being exploited to undermine state institutions and national cohesion.
He added that campaigns targeting state bodies amounted to what he described as a “malicious drive” that could weaken public trust and harm the country’s stability.
Government stance on free speech
At the same time, Chaudhry stressed that the government believes in freedom of expression and does not seek to curb legitimate dissent.
However, he said authorities would not compromise on Pakistan’s sovereignty or national security, drawing a distinction between political criticism and what he termed coordinated attacks on state institutions.
Concluding his remarks, Chaudhry said the government would continue to assess online activity and respond within the law, reiterating that protecting national interests remained a top priority.
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