FIA constitutes team to probe social media campaign after Balochistan helicopter crash

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has constituted a team to probe those running a negative social media campaign after the tragic incident of an army helicopter crash while carrying out flood relief operations in Balochistan. Six military personnel were martyred in the tragic incident.

On Sunday, August 7, the FIA constituted a four-member team and tasked it with pointing out, arresting, and taking legal action against those involved in running a negative social media campaign on the tragic incident of the helicopter crash.

“Belittling & ridiculing the sacrifices of our martyrs was horrifying,” said Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif.

“This is what self-righteous political narratives do: they poison the minds of the youth & weaponise hate speech. Which way are we headed? The moment calls for a deep reflection,” tweeted the PM.

The social media campaign belittling & ridiculing the sacrifices of our martyrs was horrifying. This is what self-righteous political narratives do: they poison the minds of the youth & weaponise hate speech. Which way are we headed?

The moment calls for a deep reflection.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 7, 2022

The military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday, August 5, condemned a social media campaign after the tragic Pakistan Army helicopter crash in Balochistan.

“The regretful social media campaign after the unfortunate helicopter crash on August 1 has caused deep anguish and distress among Shuhada families and rank and file of the armed forces,” said the ISPR.

“While the whole nation stood with the institution in this difficult time, certain insensitive quarters resorted to hurtful and derogatory comments on social media, which is unacceptable and highly condemnable,” said Director General (DG) ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar.

Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Naya Pakistan’, DG ISPR emphasised that this should not happen and that the elements spreading negative propaganda and rumours should be rejected.

“Insensitive behaviour is unacceptable and should be condemned at every platform,” added DG ISPR.

“We have been distressed since the accident on August 1. The propaganda has caused immense pain, particularly to the families of the martyrs.”