Sindh govt set to launch special unit to address social media misuse cases

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday announced the establishment of a special unit to address cases of social media misuse.

A series of decisions were taken in the 32nd apex committee meeting chaired by CM Murad.

In a recent meeting, it was revealed that a Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority has been established under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to safeguard online users and protect their rights. This new authority will have the power to regulate and block unlawful or offensive content on social media, oversee platform registration, and issue content-related guidelines.

The authority will also be able to instruct relevant bodies to remove or block harmful content online.

The Sindh government also announced the launch of a “Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism,” which will focus on developing strategies to fight violent extremism. The centre will work on research, policy-making, and supporting terror financing investigations in coordination with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It will also aim to counter online radicalization, hate speech, disinformation, and youth involvement in violence.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah instructed the home secretary to present the draft law for the centre at the next cabinet meeting. He also stressed the need for collaboration with Punjab and Balochistan to conduct joint operations against criminals in riverine areas.

He further noted that illegal foreign nationals are being sent back according to the federal government’s policy. In the first phase of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) carried out in 2023–24, 85,916 individuals were repatriated. Transit points were set up in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Jacobabad, managed by local deputy commissioners.

The chief minister also voiced concern over the rising number of road accidents in the city and recent incidents involving vehicles like tankers and dumpers being set on fire.

He instructed the police to take strict action against dumpers and trucks that are operating on the roads in violation of traffic rules and regulations. Additionally, he directed the police to apprehend those responsible for the arson of the tankers.

The meeting held at CM House was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Corps Commander Karachi Lt General Mohammad Avais Dastagir, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, DG Rangers Maj General Muhammad Shamraiz, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, Inspector General Police (IGP) Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, AIG Karachi, FIA, Customs, other concerned agencies’ representatives.