Pakistani journalist Harmeet Singh.
Nukta
An FIR has been lodged against Pakistani journalist Harmeet Singh over allegations of posting “fake news” about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) D-Chowk protests in Islamabad last month.
The FIR, booked by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), alleges that Singh spread false narratives against state institutions under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
The development comes after the investigation agency booked several other individuals under PECA. The federal government proposed stricter amendments to the law in the aftermath of the PTI protests.
According to the case, Singh used his X profile to promote a "malicious narrative" targeting Pakistan's state institutions, including events between November 24 and 27, 2024.
The FIR claims Singh attempted to incite the general public toward violent actions and create fear, insecurity, and distrust among citizens.
It further accuses Singh of fostering animosity between the pillars of the state and allegedly promoting provincial and ethnic divisions for specific individuals' political interests, terming it an "act of rebellion".
FIA sources told Nukta that suspects were being investigated for allegedly spreading misinformation aimed at “creating panic or insecurity in society.” The agency said it is monitoring Facebook and X accounts closely, working with law enforcement agencies that provided flagged account lists.
“Arrests are imminent,” an FIA official confirmed. “The accused will face strict legal action soon.”
A motorcycle burns during a protest rally by the supporters of the former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanding the release of Khan, in Islamabad, Pakistan, November 26, 2024.
Reuters
Singh told Nukta on Friday that he learned about the FIR the previous night but had yet to receive official notification from the FIA.
“From the content of the FIR, I’ve realized how clumsily the state is trying to silence journalists in this country,” Singh said. “When they fail to stop us from raising our voice for truth, they stoop this low. If the government thinks it can silence us through such tactics, they are mistaken.”
Singh denied allegations of inciting violence or rebellion, stating he had simply reported what he witnessed at the protests.
“I reported events of November 26 and 27 like other journalists at D-Chowk. I only reported what I saw on the ground,” he said.
The journalist accused the government of curbing press freedom.
“We cannot be told what to say and when. No matter how many restrictions you impose on journalists, the truth can never be hidden,” Singh said, vowing to fight the case.
Bushra Bibi, wife of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, and supporters of Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) attend a rally demanding his release, in Islamabad, Pakistan, November 26, 2024.
Reuters
PTI protest
On November 26, PTI workers clashed with security forces while attempting to stage a sit-in near parliament and the prime minister’s residence.
Police and paramilitary forces used tear gas and rubber bullets during a late-night operation to disperse protesters. Demonstrators, wielding sticks and slingshots, set roadblocks on fire.
PTI claims at least 12 workers were killed, accusing security forces of firing live ammunition. The government denies the allegations, saying forces were deployed “without live ammunition”.
The FIA continues to investigate, signaling further action in cases of alleged misinformation.
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