ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Monday that the government has taken “strict note of unauthorized dissemination of sensitive and classified information” in the wake of classified documents that surfaced on social media platforms.
Referring to X, formerly Twitter, the federal minister wrote that a warning was received, especially after the open display of classified documents, especially documents marked as secret.
He added that in this regard, the federal government has decided to register cases under the Official Secrets Act, 2023 against all those individuals who are directly or indirectly involved in the disclosure or dissemination of classified information or documents.
The defense minister’s statement comes days after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a proposal to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 as part of the federal government’s decision to regulate social media through legislation.
Last week, Geo News learned from sources that under the proposed PECA Amendment Bill 2024, a Digital Rights Protection Authority was also proposed.
This body will fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information Technology and will focus on providing advice to the government on matters related to digital rights, ensuring responsible use of the Internet and enforcing regulations.
It will work with social media platforms to facilitate the promotion of a positive digital ecosystem. It will also regulate online content, investigate breaches of the new PECA social media law and take action against violators.
The proposed authority will be able to request information from the persons involved and witnesses. It can also set rules for the enforcement of laws related to digital rights and will create a safe and trustworthy digital environment while promoting the protection of online users and protecting fundamental rights.
People disseminating ‘classified documents’ to be charged: Khawaja Asif
