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May 11, 2026 - Comments Off on Terrorism FIR filed against Imtiaz Chandio

Terrorism FIR filed against Imtiaz Chandio

A terrorism charge has been filed against US-based journalist and YouTuber Imitaz Chandio and two other social media activists by a Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC). They have been accused of spreading “false propaganda” and inciting protests in the province over the results of the SPSC examination. Around 30-49 people staged a demonstration outside the commissioner’s office in response to Chandio’s videos on Facebook where he accused officials of corruption and giving jobs to undeserving candidates and called for candidates to protest the headquarters. The FIR includes charges under the Pakistan Penal Code, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), and Anti-Terrorism Act.  

April 20, 2026 - Comments Off on British Universities Revealed to Employ Private Intelligence Firm to Monitor Protests

British Universities Revealed to Employ Private Intelligence Firm to Monitor Protests

An investigation revealed that twelve elite British universities paid Horus Security Consultancy, a firm led by former military intelligence officials, to monitor student protesters and academics. Since 2022, institutions like Oxford and LSE have spent over £440,000 on social media surveillance and background checks, particularly targeting pro-Palestine activists. The firm utilized artificial intelligence tools to harvest open-source data and conduct counter-terror threat assessments on guest speakers. While universities claim these measures ensure campus safety, the United Nations and civil rights groups expressed profound legal concerns regarding disproportionate data collection and the erosion of free speech on academic campuses within the UK.

 

March 2, 2026 - Comments Off on IHC bench hearing appeals for Imaan and Hadi dissolved

IHC bench hearing appeals for Imaan and Hadi dissolved

Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dissolved the bench hearing appeals filed by human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali against their conviction in the controversial social media post case. While hearing an application seeking an early hearing for the appeals, Justice Muhammad Asif ordered the court to place the case file before Chief Justice Dogar and to form a new bench for the hearing. The appellants argued that despite earlier proceedings, no effective hearing date has been set. 

 

September 22, 2025 - Comments Off on Court issues non-bailable arrest warrants lawyer Imaan Mazari over controversial tweets

Court issues non-bailable arrest warrants lawyer Imaan Mazari over controversial tweets

Prominent lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari has been a subject of significant mainstream discussion over her confrontations with state entities. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) filed an FIR against Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, alleging them of posting “anti-state” content on their social media accounts. Mazari’s posts questioning enforced disappearances in Balochistan and accusations against the armed forces for failing to eliminate militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were seen as inciting “provincial hatred” and as discrediting state institutions. This Monday, the Additional District and Sessions Judge Islamabad, Afzal Majoka, directed authorities to arrest Mazari and her husband for failing to appear before the courts.  

September 11, 2025 - Comments Off on Court Overturns Ban on YouTube Channels

Court Overturns Ban on YouTube Channels

An Islamabad sessions court has set aside a lower court’s order to block 27 YouTube channels, granting relief to 11 petitioners. The original order, issued in June, had targeted channels run by journalists and political commentators for allegedly spreading “fake, misleading, and defamatory” content against the government and armed forces. During the hearing, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka expressed anger at the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency’s prosecutor, questioning the legal authority to shut down channels and accusing the agency of attempting to misuse the judiciary. The judge’s decision to overturn the ban for the petitioners is a significant victory for freedom of speech and highlights the judiciary's role in safeguarding digital rights against potential overreach by state agencies.

 

September 10, 2025 - Comments Off on Senate Panel Rules Many PECA Cases Illegal

Senate Panel Rules Many PECA Cases Illegal

A Senate Standing Committee, chaired by Senator Syed Ali Zafar, has ruled that 378 cases registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) by provincial authorities are illegal and must be withdrawn immediately. The committee emphasized that PECA should not be used as a tool for censorship against journalists or the public. According to a report from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), 1,214 cases have been registered nationwide, with ten against journalists.

 

 

September 9, 2025 - Comments Off on Maria B Submits Defense to NCCIA in Defamation Case

Maria B Submits Defense to NCCIA in Defamation Case

Fashion designer Maria B has submitted her defense to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in a complaint regarding her anti-transgender rhetoric on social media. The complaint, filed by Saima Butt, accuses the designer of defaming the transgender community. In her response, submitted by her lawyer, Maria B claimed she was exercising her constitutional right to free speech. Her defense argued that her posts were "reasonable opinions on matters of public concern" and not defamatory because the individuals in her videos were masked and unidentifiable. The submission also called the complaint "malicious." This incident follows a separate case where police arrested transgender individuals based on her social media posts, a case that was later dismissed by a magistrate.

July 15, 2025 - Comments Off on Journalists body urges Supreme Court to review PECA law

Journalists body urges Supreme Court to review PECA law

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has urged the Supreme Court to review and amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in consultation with Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and other media stakeholders.

In a letter to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, IFJ raised concerns over rising threats to press freedom, citing legal harassment, violence and misuse of PECA against journalists. From May 2024 to April 2025, the IFJ recorded 34 violations including targeted killings of seven journalists. Furthermore, copies of the letter were also sent to the PM, Islamabad High Court CJ and PFUJ President Rana Azeem.

May 9, 2025 - Comments Off on Cyber Blasphemy: Three More Death Sentences Spark Alarm Over Digital Rights

Cyber Blasphemy: Three More Death Sentences Spark Alarm Over Digital Rights

An Islamabad court has handed down three additional death sentences in cyber blasphemy cases under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), bringing the total to 11 since September 2024.

The verdicts come amid mounting concerns over alleged entrapment, manipulated evidence, and collusion between FIA officials and a group known as the “Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan.”

According to a leaked Punjab Special Branch report, dozens may have been falsely accused in what it called the "Blasphemy Business." Families of 101 accused have petitioned the Islamabad High Court for an independent inquiry.

Defense lawyers criticized the trials as biased and lacking procedural fairness, alleging the same pattern of evidence and charges in multiple cases.

One defense lawyer said his client, a university student, was lured with a fake job offer before being arrested. Another said his client had performed Umrah shortly before being accused.

The complainant admitted to using a fake Facebook profile and could not recall key details about the case.

Human rights groups warn the expanding use of PECA for blasphemy prosecutions poses grave risks to freedom of expression and due process in Pakistan’s digital space.

Source: https://nukta.com/cyber-blasphemy-death-penalty