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May 19, 2026 - Comments Off on Sindh Police Expands Investigation into Digital Drug Networks

Sindh Police Expands Investigation into Digital Drug Networks

Sindh IG Javed Alam Odho confirmed multi-agency investigations, involving the FIA and NCCIA, into drug dealer Anmol alias Pinky. Authorities are probing financial records and the migration of narcotics trade to cyberspace. The IG emphasized that crimes are increasingly shifting online, necessitating collaboration between law enforcement and specialized cyber agencies to track digital money laundering and recruitment of youth. While the suspect faces 15 active cases, police maintain strict security protocols to prevent potential witness tampering. The investigation aims to dismantle supplier networks and secure evidence of illegal operations conducted via digital platforms across multiple jurisdictional domains.

May 7, 2026 - Comments Off on NCCIA Faces Challenges in Cybercrime Investigations Due to Limited Platform Cooperation

NCCIA Faces Challenges in Cybercrime Investigations Due to Limited Platform Cooperation

Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has highlighted significant challenges in investigating cybercrime cases, citing limited cooperation from social media platforms as a major barrier. Officials informed a Senate subcommittee that many cases, particularly those involving journalists and digital content creators, remain unresolved or are dismissed due to difficulties in accessing platform data and identifying anonymous users.

Data shared with lawmakers revealed that several cases registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) have faced delays, with some investigations pending for years. Authorities noted that while technical expertise supports part of the investigative process, a substantial portion depends on timely responses from digital platforms.

The issue underscores broader concerns around platform accountability, cross-border data access, and the effectiveness of cybercrime enforcement mechanisms, especially as online activity and misuse of anonymous accounts continue to grow in Pakistan.

April 21, 2026 - Comments Off on High Court Grants Bail in Azma Bokhari Video Case

High Court Grants Bail in Azma Bokhari Video Case

The Lahore High Court granted post-arrest bail to PTI activist Falak Javed and co-suspect Muhammad Shafiq regarding a viral fake video involving Punjab’s Information Minister. Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry approved the bail against surety bonds of one million rupees following a complaint filed with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. Earlier, the bail petitions of the suspects had been dismissed by a sessions court and judicial magistrate.

April 8, 2026 - Comments Off on SHC Sets Aside NCCIA Director Appointment Over Irregularity Concerns

SHC Sets Aside NCCIA Director Appointment Over Irregularity Concerns

The Sindh High Court has set aside the appointment of the provincial director of the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA), ruling that the position was unlawfully assigned to a junior officer. The court directed authorities to appoint the senior-most eligible officer to hold acting charge until a regular promotion is made. The bench observed that the decision violated statutory rules and principles of merit, describing the appointment as arbitrary and without lawful authority. The ruling also raised questions about administrative practices following the transfer of cybercrime functions from the FIA to NCCIA, reinforcing the importance of transparency and due process in public sector appointments.

April 7, 2026 - Comments Off on LHC Grants Bail to Pakistani-Canadian Scholar in Cybercrime Case

LHC Grants Bail to Pakistani-Canadian Scholar in Cybercrime Case

The Lahore High Court has granted post-arrest bail to Pakistani-Canadian PhD scholar Hamza Ahmad Khan in a cybercrime case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. The case, filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), alleged that Khan had made anti-state posts on social media platforms. The court approved bail against surety bonds of Rs200,000 after hearing arguments that questioned the legality and transparency of the investigation. The petitioner’s counsel maintained that the case was fabricated and lacked merit, emphasising that bail is a right when evidence is inconclusive. The case has raised concerns around due process, digital expression, and the application of cybercrime laws.

 

March 31, 2026 - Comments Off on PhD Scholar Seeks Bail in Cybercrime Case Under PECA

PhD Scholar Seeks Bail in Cybercrime Case Under PECA

Canadian national and Pakistani PhD scholar Hamza Ahmad Khan has approached the Lahore High Court seeking post-arrest bail in a cybercrime case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016. His earlier bail applications were rejected by both a judicial magistrate and a sessions court. The petition argues that the case is fabricated and politically motivated, alleging unlawful abduction and lack of evidence by the prosecution. It further states that bail should be granted as a right, particularly in the absence of credible proof and risk of evidence tampering. The case highlights ongoing concerns around the application of cybercrime laws in Pakistan and their implications for due process and digital rights.

March 10, 2026 - Comments Off on Bahrain Arrests Six Individuals Over Social Media Posts Linked to Iran Conflict

Bahrain Arrests Six Individuals Over Social Media Posts Linked to Iran Conflict

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of six individuals,  including five Pakistanis and one Bangladeshi for allegedly filming, publishing, and reposting videos related to the effects of Iranian attacks amid the ongoing regional conflict. Authorities stated that the suspects shared videos through their social media accounts that allegedly expressed sympathy for hostile acts and contributed to spreading fear and misleading public opinion. According to the ministry, legal proceedings have been initiated and the individuals have been referred to public prosecution. The government also urged the public to rely on official sources and refrain from sharing unverified content online during the ongoing conflict.

March 2, 2026 - Comments Off on Cybercrime investigation unit for Punjab province approved

Cybercrime investigation unit for Punjab province approved

Maryam Nawaz, the chief minister of Punjab has approved plans for the establishment of the province’s first Cybercrime Investigation Unit (CCIU) as part of new measures to strengthen digital security and surveillance. The new unit will investigate cybercrime cases and will be supported by district-level cybercrime centers across the province. The provincial government also plans on creating a special protection cell to specifically assist women affected by digital offences.   

February 19, 2026 - Comments Off on IHC Issues Notices to NCCIA on Appeals Against PECA Conviction in Tweets Case

IHC Issues Notices to NCCIA on Appeals Against PECA Conviction in Tweets Case

The Islamabad High Court issued notices to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency on appeals filed by lawyer couple Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha against their conviction in the controversial tweets case under PECA. The court also sought a response on their applications for suspension of sentence and adjourned proceedings. The couple were sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment in January, with the case drawing criticism from international rights bodies over due process and freedom of expression concerns.

 

February 10, 2026 - Comments Off on Suspected BLA propagandist remanded

Suspected BLA propagandist remanded

Zafar Iqbal has been given a three-day physical remand by a court in Islamabad after being arrested for allegedly promoting the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) on social media. Officials from the NCCIA requested the remand to recover and examine multiple social media accounts linked to him. Investigators claim that Iqbal has been spreading false propaganda against state institutions and was inciting and provoking the public through his online content.