–FIA to launch probe against journalists for displaying murdered Saudi journalist Khashoggi’s picture on their social media profile
The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing has initiated an inquiry into an alleged ‘social media campaign’ ran by journalists and certain religio-political parties during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to Pakistan in February.
According to a notification dated March 13 that has been making rounds on social media, “A targeted social media campaign was planned/executed against the [crown prince’s] visit, during which [a] few social media activists and groups remained particularly consistent/active till the very last day of the visit.”
The letter names five journalists — Matiullah Jan, Murtaza Solangi, Azaz Syed, Ammar Masood, Umer Cheema – activist Waqas Goraya who is based in The Netherlands, religious outfits Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), Imamia Students Organization (ISO), Hizbul Tahrir Pak, Tameer-e-Watan Party.
The letter, referring to the journalists, stated: “These activists displayed the picture of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi on their social media profile DPs which conveyed a very disrespectful message to the visiting guest.”
Speaking about the groups that will be probed, the letter said: “These groups/party’s members were found most active on social media against Mohammad bin Salman’s visit to Pakistan.”
All additional directors were asked to submit a report on their inquiries to Deputy Director Ayaz Khan on a daily basis.
The FIA decision was condemned by Solangi, who initially shared the copy of the notification on his Twitter handle.
So the shameful govt of @ImranKhanPTI has a problem with putting the picture of slain journalist #JamalKhashoggi on your twitter profile and considers it against the law? Come arrest me, you shameless creatures,” he lashed out at Twitter.
Jamal Khashoggi was killed on October 2 after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. After offering several contradictory statements, the Saudi kingdom confirmed Khashoggi was killed inside its consulate, but denied the killing was ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, despite reports that the CIA concluded that the kingdom’s de facto leader was behind the murder.