8 booked in Pakistan's KP for anti-army posts amid India tensions

In the wake of recent military conflict between Pakistan and India, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have registered cases against eight individuals under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for allegedly sharing provocative content on social media against the Pakistan Army and its top leadership.

The action comes in the aftermath of cross-border skirmishes and aerial confrontations between the two countries from May 7 to 10, during which over 50 civilians were reportedly killed on both sides. The conflict sparked a surge of online activity, with some users accused of spreading narratives seen as critical of Pakistan’s forces during a time of ‘national security crisis’.

FIR names individuals, flags threat to national security

According to a First Information Report (FIR) filed at the City Police Station in KP's Mardan, the accused individuals are linked to social media accounts operating under names like “Social Media PK-55,” “Shehbaz Garhi News,” and “PTI Pakistan.”

Those named include Fawad Ahmed, Nauman Khan, Sardar Azam, Roman Shah, Muhammad Abu Zar, Khalil-ur-Rehman, Hazrat Hussain, and Anwar Shah.

Officials allege that the posts shared from these accounts posed a threat to national security, eroded public trust in state institutions, and incited unrest during a sensitive period of regional conflict.

The FIR also includes eight sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), covering charges such as defamation, sedition, and inciting disharmony.

Speaking to Nukta, City Police Station SHO Salam Khan said most of the suspects are believed to be affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

While many of the contentious posts have since been deleted, law enforcement has secured screenshots and other digital evidence, which has been submitted for forensic review. “Efforts are underway to apprehend the individuals and present them before a court of law,” he added.

PTI defends youth, rejects ‘treason’ allegations

In response, PTI’s Additional Secretary General for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Irfan Saleem, defended the individuals, stressing that freedom of expression is a constitutional right.

“Criticism should not be equated with treason,” he said, adding that young people deserve the space to voice their views, particularly during moments of national significance.

“Despite state repression, PTI’s youth have actively countered hostile narratives on social media. Their criticism should be seen constructively, not criminalized,” Saleem urged.

According to material reviewed by Nukta, some of the posts under investigation include claims that the state misrepresented military engagements. One post claimed: “No aircraft was shot down, no brigade headquarters destroyed -- it’s all lies to fool the nation.”

Another Facebook post allegedly dismissed the conflict as “a drama,” criticizing the use of wartime rhetoric to justify civilian trials in military courts.