Punjab government has approved the establishment of a new Counter-Narrative and Cognitive Security Wing within the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), with 120 new positions sanctioned for the unit, according to media reports.
The wing will focus on analysing information on digital platforms, conducting fact-checking and responding to digital propaganda and narratives deemed anti-state, according to the plan approved by the provincial government.
The approved positions include a project director, deputy directors and senior analysts.
Specialists in Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), which involves gathering and analysing publicly available information, and dark web analysis will also be recruited.
The new setup will also include digital media managers, social media strategists, fact-checking specialists and content writers, according to the details of the project.
The government has additionally approved the recruitment of 40 field coordinators, along with other support staff, for the wing.
An annual allocation of Rs49.21 crore has been approved for the Counter-Narrative and Cognitive Security Wing, while the overall project is expected to cost more than Rs300 crore.
The unit is being established as part of broader efforts within Punjab’s security apparatus to strengthen analysis of online activity and counter narratives considered harmful to state or public security.
The move comes amid Punjab’s ncreasing focus on monitoring digital platforms and strengthening intelligence and threat-assessment capabilities.
