Agency alleges spread of ‘false, offensive and inflammatory’ content after interview goes viral
Photo of Noreen Niazi, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. PHOTO: SCREEN CAPTURE
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on Saturday summoned Noreen Niazi, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan, for investigation after an interview of hers went viral on social media, leading to allegations of spreading “false, offensive and inflammatory” content.
According to a notice issued by NCCIA’s Cyber Crime Complaint Center, Noreen was ordered to appear before the agency on Monday to record her statement in connection with the investigation.
The notification, issued under section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code, said the NCCIA was conducting proceedings in the matter.
The agency said the “essence of the allegations” was that Noreen had allegedly spread “false, offensive and inflammatory content on social media to defame state institutions and spread false narratives.”
The notice directed him to personally appear at the NCCIA Cyber Crime Complaint Center in Islabad to record his statement. He warned that failure to comply would mean “that he has nothing to present or declare in his defence” and would be punishable under section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860.
The notice was issued after Noreen made comments about Maarka-e-Haq and the Pakistan Army during an interview on a YouTube channel.
In the interview, Noreen alleged that Maarka-e-Haq was a collaboration between Pakistan’s armed forces and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He further stated that India refrained from attacking Pakistan at Israel’s request because Pakistan was moving towards recognition of Israel.
“Modi could have solved them in two minutes if he wanted to. Why did Modi stop? What was he afraid of? India is such a big country. Look at that country and then look at yourself,” he said.
He also alleged that Israel was “behind” the events and stated that Pakistan was prepared to join countries that had established diplomatic relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
The comments were criticized by politicians and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.
