[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]A special court under the Official Secrets Act sentenced Islamabad police official Zahoor Ahmed to three years in prison for providing classified documents to a foreign ambassador. Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra delivered the verdict after finding Ahmed guilty. The identity of the foreign ambassador remains undisclosed.
The court’s decision followed a hearing of arguments from both sides, and Ahmed was arrested immediately after the verdict. This week, the federal government announced plans to prosecute those involved in the unauthorized dissemination of sensitive information.
Read more: UAE and Saudi Arabia Hold Over 50% of Imprisoned Pakistanis Abroad
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated on social media that the government has taken strict notice of such incidents, especially after classified documents appeared on social media. He emphasized that leaking secret information can severely damage Pakistan’s relations with friendly countries and harm its strategic and economic interests.
Asif noted that individuals involved in spreading secret information will be prosecuted under the Official Secrets Act 2023, which carries a punishment of two years imprisonment and a fine.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently approved amendments to the PECA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) 2016 to regulate social media, leading to the establishment of the Digital Rights Protection Agency.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
