Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced Thursday the formation of a specialized unit to combat the misuse of social media.

This decision came during the 32nd apex committee meeting, presided over by CM Murad, where a range of critical issues were addressed.

Officials at the meeting reported that the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority has been established under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). This authority aims to bolster online safety and safeguard individual rights on social media platforms.

The newly formed authority is empowered to regulate or block unlawful or offensive content on social media platforms, manage the registration process for these platforms, and set content standard guidelines and directives. It can also instruct relevant bodies to remove or block inappropriate content.

In addition, the provincial government declared the creation of a “Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism.” According to a statement, this center will concentrate on devising strategies to fight violent extremism.

The chief minister has instructed the home secretary to submit the draft law during the next cabinet meeting.

Once operational, the center will dedicate its efforts to research, policy development, and creating strategies to counter violent extremism. It will also assist the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in investigations related to terror financing and work to combat online radicalization, hate speech, disinformation, and juvenile delinquency.

During the meeting, CM Murad stressed the importance of collaborating with Punjab and Balochistan to coordinate joint operations against dacoits in the riverine areas.

He stated that the repatriation of illegal foreign nationals residing in the provinces is underway, following federal government policy.

The meeting received information 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, overseen by their respective Deputy Commissioners.

The chief minister voiced his concerns regarding the rising number of road accidents in the city, as well as incidents involving tankers and dumpers being set ablaze.

He directed the police to take stringent action against dumpers and trucks violating traffic rules and regulations. Furthermore, he instructed the police to arrest those responsible for the arson attacks on tankers.

The meeting, held at CM House, saw the attendance of 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 relevant agencies.