Malik Waqar
CM Announces New Authority and Centre to Counter Online Harm and Extremism
KARACHI – Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday announced the formation of a special unit to address the growing issue of social media misuse. The decision was made during the 32nd meeting of the provincial apex committee, chaired by the Chief Minister at CM House.
The meeting was informed that, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), a Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority has been established to ensure online safety and safeguard the rights of users on social media platforms.
This newly formed authority will be empowered to regulate unlawful or offensive content online, oversee the enlistment of social media platforms, partially or fully block access where necessary, and issue directives and guidelines to ensure content standards are upheld.
The authority will also be authorised to instruct relevant agencies to block or remove inappropriate or unlawful material from digital platforms.
In addition, the Sindh government has announced plans to establish a Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism. The centre will focus on research, policy formulation, and strategies to counter violent extremism in the province.
The Chief Minister directed the Home Secretary to present a draft law for the centre at the next cabinet meeting. Once operational, the centre will support investigations into terror financing for the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and work to address online radicalisation, hate speech, disinformation, and youth delinquency.
Coordination on Law Enforcement
During the meeting, CM Murad also stressed the importance of inter-provincial coordination with Punjab and Balochistan to conduct joint operations against dacoits in the riverine areas.
He noted that illegal foreign nationals residing in the province were being repatriated in line with the federal government’s policy. The meeting was briefed on the successful completion of Phase-I of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) in 2023–24, during which 85,916 illegal foreigners were sent back to their respective countries.
Transit centres were set up in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Jacobabad under the supervision of local Deputy Commissioners to facilitate the repatriation process.
Road Safety and Public Concerns
The Chief Minister also expressed concern over the rising number of road accidents in Karachi, particularly involving heavy vehicles such as tankers and dumpers. He instructed the police to launch strict enforcement measures against trucks and dumpers operating in violation of traffic laws.
In response to recent incidents where tankers and dumpers were set ablaze, CM Murad directed law enforcement to arrest those responsible and ensure such actions are curbed in future.
High-Level Participation
The meeting was attended by key provincial and security officials, including Information Minister Sharjeel Memon, Law Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Corps Commander Karachi Lt Gen Mohammad Avais Dastagir, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, DG Rangers Maj Gen Muhammad Shamraiz, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, IGP Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon, and other senior representatives from the police, FIA, Customs, and relevant agencies.
