To combat hate and extremist content online, the Violent Extremism Prevention Unit (VEPU) of the Islamabad Police has launched a significant initiative. In the past six months, VEPU has been successful in locating more than 700 accounts that spread information about religion and terrorism on X (previously Twitter) and Facebook.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and VEPU have worked together to formally request that these accounts be closed. The fact that over 200 have already been blocked demonstrates the unit’s dedication to reducing the impact of extremist narratives.
Combating the spread of hate, religious intolerance, and polarising propaganda on social media is part of the unit’s mandate.
The unit’s spokesperson reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating extremism without discrimination and emphasised their quick action against those who propagate dangerous ideologies on social media.
In addition to its online initiatives, VEPU has actively collaborated with universities, seminaries, and mosques to challenge extremist narratives. In order to prevent the spread of political, linguistic, sectarian, and religious extremist content on websites and social media platforms, the unit uses a vigilant monitoring strategy.
ICCPO Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, the founder of VEPU, has urged people to refrain from participating in activities that incite hatred or spread untrue information about organisations on social media. To help with ongoing peacekeeping efforts, the capital police are pleading with people to report such activities right away.
