The famous group of tech mercenaries hacked into many Pakistani government websites and released information, sensitive banking details
In a rather odd expression of solidarity with anti-government protestors in Pakistan, hacktivist group Anonymous hacked into the Pakistan government websites including the Press Information Department, Pakistan Air Force and Punjab government website, the last of which has still not been restored.
This attack comes at a time when the country is reeling under massive anti-government protests led by two strong opposition factions of Imran Khan and Tahir ul-Qadri. Peaceful protests in the country that started on August 15 have now escalated extensively, resulting in the use of teargas and rubber bullets by the police. At least three people have been killed and more than 550 injured, reports suggest. Earlier on Monday, protesters also broke into the PTV national television station's headquarters in central Islamabad.
Apart from this, the group also went ahead to release bank details of the Pakistani government.
In a statement on their website, the group explains their motives. "We are cataloging the atrocities being committed in Pakistan. We will begin at once assisting the peaceful protesters in Pakistan with every tool and tactic at our disposal. And we will initiate the process of removing every vestige of the Pakistan government from the Internet and shutting down their communications network. And the Pakistani people will then remove this criminal regime from power and lock them in prison where they belong."
"Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you are hereby dismissed"
Expressing solidarity with the protestors, the hackers warned the leadership. "Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you are hereby dismissed. You will leave power immediately. For the safety and security of your family we suggest that you depart Pakistan at once. This is your only warning."
"As for the criminal security and military forces who have so barbarically attacked your own people in Pakistan, we will collect evidence of your crimes and deal with you in the time and manner of our choosing. You would do well to....well, you know - expect us," they added.
What is Anonymous?
The hacker group has a history of purporting cyber violence, popularly known as 'hacktivism' against organisations, corporates and governments they deem to be violating human rights. They are known to have openly supported Wikileaks campaigns, directing frequent attacks towards corporates, including MasterCard and PayPal, for blocking Wikileak accounts.
Prior to this, the group has launched several attacks on government websites of nations including #OpSaveGaza, that was an intensive online offensive against Israel during its recent war against Hamas.
In Pakistan, the situation remains tumultuous with army chiefs holding an emergency meeting on Sunday night to discuss the crisis. This has led to speculations of military interference and coups, even though the army has stated otherwise.
But even as a large population of Pakistan remains politically driven against its head of state, they have found allies at the unlikeliest, yet an emergingly powerful, of spaces—the World Wide Web. In a concluding call, the group directly address Shariff in the press release, stating, "You will either answer to the justice of your people and the international community, or you will be the subject of the rage filled vengeance of Anonymous."
For live coverage and latest updates on the situation in Pakistan, read here.
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