Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced on Thursday the formation of a dedicated unit to address instances of social media misuse.
The announcement was made during the 32nd apex committee meeting presided over by Chief Minister Murad, where a series of decisions were taken.
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 individuals on social media platforms.
This authority will be empowered to regulate unlawful or offensive content on social media platforms, manage the registration of these platforms, impose partial or full blocks on them, and issue guidelines and directives regarding content standards.
Furthermore, it can instruct relevant authorities to block or remove unlawful or offensive content.
The provincial government also announced the establishment of a “Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism” to concentrate on strategies aimed at combating violent extremism, according to an official statement.
The Chief Minister directed the Home Secretary to present the draft law for the centre in the upcoming cabinet meeting.
Once operational, the centre will focus on research, policy development, and the formulation of strategies to counter violent extremism.
It will also provide support to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in terror financing investigations and work towards countering online radicalization, hate speech, disinformation, and youth delinquency.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Murad also underscored the necessity of coordinating with Punjab and Balochistan to plan joint operations against bandits in the riverine areas.
“Illegal foreign nationals residing in the provinces are being repatriated in accordance with the federal government’s policy,” he stated.
The meeting was informed that the Sindh government successfully completed Phase-I of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) in 2023-24, during which 85,916 illegal foreigners were repatriated.
Transit points were established in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Jacobabad under the supervision of the respective Deputy Commissioners.
The Chief Minister expressed concern regarding the increasing number of road accidents in the city, as well as the incidents of tankers and dumpers being set on fire.
He instructed the police to take strict action against dumpers and trucks operating on the roads in violation of traffic rules and regulations. Additionally, he directed the police to apprehend those responsible for the arson attacks on the tankers.
The meeting, held at CM House, was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Corps Commander Karachi Lt General Mohammad Avais Dastagir, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, DG Rangers Maj General Muhammad Shamraiz, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, Inspector General Police (IGP) Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, AIG Karachi, and representatives from FIA, Customs, and other concerned agencies.
