Police to take strict action against hate speech preachers on social media

The City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi, DIG Muhammad Faisal Rana has directed the police officers in the city to take strict actions against those who are involved in spreading hate material, illegal wall-chalking and uploading hate material on social media against any sect.

A police spokesperson said that the CPO had instructed the Station House Officers of Rawalpindi Police to implement the National Action Plan in the city and strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by Punjab Interior Department. The DIG further directed the officers to keep complete check and balance and not tolerate any activity which could disturb the peace. He also said to maintain the law and order situation in the city.

“The society could not afford hate speech material against any sect in the country, and strict action in accordance with the law should be taken against those who add fuel to the fire”.

Furthermore, the DIG directed officers to register FIRs under the anti-terrorist act against anyone who uploads hate material on social media websites or even shares it through their profiles. He said they should be sent behind the bars immediately. Also, if anyone is running WhatsApp groups to promote or spreading hate material will be put behind bars, along with their facilitators and abettors.

The CPO added that Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar and IGP has directed to keep law and order situation maintained and the Rawalpindi district police would make every effort to maintain peace and the activities of banned individuals will be checked and stopped immediately.

The government is also taking strict actions against those posting anti-state material on social media. Recently, the Bahawalpur police registered an FIR against an individual accused of posting hate material against the government policies and state institutions.