Shehbaz Gill booked over CM Maryam's doctored videos and images
Two YouTubers also arrested for spreading fake news and videos of CM Punjab! 20 social media accounts identified in JIT's misinformation probe! FIA already arrested five social media activists in the case
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The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Wednesday registered cases against PTI leader Shahbaz Gill and two YouTubers for uploading doctored videos and images targeting Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, an FIR has been registered against the accused social media activists.
This is stated in the FIR: the accused uploaded fake visuals and objectionable content on social media in an attempt to strain diplomatic ties with a friendly country.
The FIA arrested two individuals, Nadeem Javed from Cantt and Muhammad Ijaz from Muzaffargarh, while further investigations are underway.
A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) led by FIA Lahore Additional Director Chaudhry Sarfraz has already been formed to oversee the probe. The team includes deputy directors from Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, and Lahore.
Last Saturday, the FIA arrested five suspects from various parts of Punjab for their involvement in the case and registered cases under PECA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act).
The FIA officials revealed that 20 social media accounts were identified for disseminating fake content, and more arrests are expected.
The controversy began after the UAE president arrived in Rahim Yar Khan, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz greeted him.
A handshake between Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the UAE president sparked criticism, leading to the circulation of AI-generated and doctored images and videos on social media.
Annoyed by the online campaign, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the FIA authorities to take strict action against those involved in it.
The FIA's cybercrime wing in Lahore immediately launched the investigation as the complainant in the matter last week.
Reporter: Irfan Malik