Police in Islamabad arrested a citizen for sharing a social media post comparing the Tarnol railway crossing to the Strait of Hormuz, sparking concerns about misuse of legal provisions and restrictions on freedom of expression. The arrest was made under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), including disobedience to a public servant’s order and wrongful restraint, following a complaint by a police official. Authorities stated that the post had gone viral and was investigated amid heightened security measures and the imposition of Section 144 in the area due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. However, legal experts have questioned the validity of the charges, arguing that the statement falls within the scope of free expression and does not pose a threat to national security. The case has raised broader concerns about the criminalisation of online speech and the shrinking space for expression in Pakistan.