Online Desk: The formation of this task force comes in the wake of a series of violent protests organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in November 2024, which led to clashes between PTI supporters and security forces, and significant damage to the national economy.
The JTF will be headed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and will include key figures from Pakistan’s top intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
The task force is also expected to work closely with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of IT, focusing on online disinformation campaigns. PM Sharif stated in a meeting with top government and security officials that such attacks on the state will not go unchallenged.
He emphasised that the task force’s mission would focus on identifying and bringing to justice those orchestrating these campaigns. He also outlined that the task force will investigate elements both inside and outside the country that are fueling this disinformation, including foreign actors who may be involved in destabilizing Pakistan’s political order.
Political and economic fallout of Islamabad protests
The November protests, organized by PTI and led by political figures like Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, resulted in violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement, particularly on November 25-26, 2024.
The violence left several injured, including police officers, and caused widespread destruction across the federal capital.
Prime Minister Sharif, in addressing the issue, stressed the severe economic implications of such protests. He noted that past protests, particularly those in 2014, had cost the country over Rs 900 billion a day, further exacerbating Pakistan’s economic struggles.
Premier’s remarks came as part of his broader condemnation of PTI, which he accused of sowing chaos in Islamabad and undermining the country’s economic stability.
Sharif referred to PTI as a “group of sabotage” rather than a political party, accusing them of deliberately destabilizing Pakistan for political gain. He expressed deep concern over the disruptions caused by the protests, which had crippled the capital and tarnished the country’s global image.
Despite the ongoing political unrest, the Prime Minister also acknowledged the signs of economic recovery. He noted that inflation was slowly decreasing, and the stock market had recently surpassed a significant milestone. However, Sharif warned that the enemies of Pakistan—both internal and external—would continue to exploit any weakness
