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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.

May 5, 2026 - Comments Off on NCCIA Crackdown on “Anti-State” Social Media Activity Raises Free Speech Concerns

NCCIA Crackdown on “Anti-State” Social Media Activity Raises Free Speech Concerns

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested 13 individuals across Punjab as part of a crackdown on alleged “anti-state” social media activity. Authorities stated that those detained were involved in campaigns targeting state institutions, including the military and government officials, and were booked under various provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016.

Officials claim the individuals shared content that could impact public order, with digital evidence reportedly recovered. However, the crackdown has raised concerns about the broad interpretation of “anti-state” content and the potential misuse of cybercrime laws to curb dissent.

Rights groups have previously warned that legal measures targeting online speech in Pakistan have increasingly affected journalists, activists, and political voices. The development highlights ongoing tensions between state regulation of digital platforms and the protection of freedom of expression.

May 5, 2026 - Comments Off on IHC Rules CII Opinion on Blasphemy Case Unlawful, Reinforces Judicial Authority

IHC Rules CII Opinion on Blasphemy Case Unlawful, Reinforces Judicial Authority

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) lacks legal authority to determine criminal culpability, declaring its 2025 opinion against Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza “null and void.” The court found that the CII overstepped its constitutional mandate by issuing an opinion in a pending blasphemy case, violating Articles 229 and 230 of the Constitution.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani emphasised that only courts have the authority to determine criminal liability and that the CII’s intervention undermined the accused’s right to a fair trial under Article 10-A. The ruling also criticised investigative agencies for relying on the Council’s opinion in legal proceedings.

The verdict reinforces the separation of powers and due process, highlighting concerns around the misuse of advisory bodies in criminal cases and the protection of fundamental rights in Pakistan’s justice system.

May 3, 2026 - Comments Off on Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Press Freedom Amid Rising Threats to Journalists

Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Press Freedom Amid Rising Threats to Journalists

On World Press Freedom Day, Pakistan’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to protecting press freedom while acknowledging growing challenges faced by journalists. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of credible journalism, warning against rising disinformation, including AI-driven falsehoods, and the influence of digital platforms on public discourse.

Officials emphasised that a free and independent media is essential for democracy, while also calling for responsible reporting and adherence to ethical standards. However, concerns remain significant, as recent data shows increasing threats to journalists, including legal pressure, digital harassment, and physical violence.

The statements reflect a broader tension between commitments to press freedom and the realities of shrinking civic space, misinformation risks, and evolving challenges posed by digital technologies in Pakistan’s media landscape.

 

May 3, 2026 - Comments Off on YouTuber Arrested Under Anti-Terrorism Laws Over Alleged Online Recruitment

YouTuber Arrested Under Anti-Terrorism Laws Over Alleged Online Recruitment

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Lahore has arrested a YouTuber for allegedly recruiting individuals for a banned organisation and disseminating prohibited material online. The suspect, identified as Muhammad Saad bin Riaz, associated with a YouTube channel, has been charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, including provisions related to support for proscribed groups and distribution of related content.

According to the FIR, the arrest was made during an intelligence-based operation, where authorities claimed to recover banned material and alleged links to a militant network. The CTD stated that the individual was engaged in recruitment activities and spreading extremist content.

The case highlights ongoing concerns around the use of digital platforms for extremist propaganda and recruitment, as well as the increasing role of law enforcement in monitoring and regulating online spaces in Pakistan.

April 30, 2026 - Comments Off on Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha Seek Early Supreme Court Hearing in PECA Conviction Case

Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha Seek Early Supreme Court Hearing in PECA Conviction Case

Human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha have approached the Supreme Court seeking an urgent hearing of their appeals against convictions under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The couple was sentenced to a combined 17 years in prison on charges including cyber terrorism, glorification of an offence, and dissemination of false information linked to social media posts.

Their petition argues that the trial was flawed and requests suspension of their sentence pending appeal, citing prolonged incarceration and delays in proceedings before the Islamabad High Court. The case stems from allegations that their online content targeted state institutions.

The matter raises broader concerns about the application of cybercrime laws, due process, and the impact of digital speech regulation on fundamental rights in Pakistan.

April 29, 2026 - Comments Off on Pakistan Issues National Guidelines for Use of AI in Judiciary

Pakistan Issues National Guidelines for Use of AI in Judiciary

The National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC) has approved and issued national guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Pakistan’s judicial system, marking a significant step toward digital transformation in courts. The framework emphasises a human-centric approach, ensuring that AI serves as an assistive tool while judges remain the final decision-makers.

The guidelines outline safeguards for ethical and transparent AI use, including measures to prevent bias, ensure accountability, and protect data privacy. They also highlight practical applications such as case management, legal research, and document processing, alongside capacity-building initiatives to train judges and court staff.

Developed through consultations with high courts and experts, the framework aligns with international standards while allowing flexibility for provincial implementation. The move is seen as a milestone in balancing innovation with judicial independence, efficiency, and the protection of fundamental rights in Pakistan’s justice system.

April 29, 2026 - Comments Off on PTBA Flags Gaps in FBR’s Digital Tax System, Calls for Greater Transparency and Accountability

PTBA Flags Gaps in FBR’s Digital Tax System, Calls for Greater Transparency and Accountability

The Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) has raised concerns over gaps in the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) digital tax system, urging immediate reforms to improve alignment with legal frameworks and enhance taxpayer facilitation. In a formal submission to the FBR chairman, the association highlighted issues such as inconsistencies between digital processes and statutory provisions, incomplete system integration, and the absence of mechanisms for correcting digital records.

PTBA proposed a series of recommendations, including full alignment of laws and regulations within the IRIS system, integration of HS codes, and the establishment of a transparent, time-bound grievance redressal mechanism with a 48–72 hour resolution window. It also called for clearer accountability between FBR and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL), as well as public disclosure of system performance indicators such as uptime and error rates.

The recommendations underscore broader concerns around digital governance, system transparency, and accountability in Pakistan’s ongoing digitisation efforts, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure and user-centric reforms to ensure trust and efficiency in public digital services.

April 27, 2026 - Comments Off on LHC Refers Punjab Defamation Act Challenge to Chief Justice Amid Free Speech Concerns

LHC Refers Punjab Defamation Act Challenge to Chief Justice Amid Free Speech Concerns

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has referred a set of petitions challenging the Punjab Defamation Act 2024 to the chief justice for reconstitution of a bench, following objections raised by the provincial government’s counsel. The legislation, introduced in June 2024, aims to address defamatory content across print, electronic, and social media, but has been widely contested by journalists, civil society, and legal experts. Critics, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), argue that the law poses a serious threat to freedom of expression and press freedom by limiting the ability to hold public officials accountable.

During proceedings, petitioners’ lawyers maintained that the law undermines democratic principles, while the government argued procedural grounds for referring the case to the chief justice due to the involvement of tribunal appointments under the Act. The referral has raised concerns about delays in adjudicating a law that has significant implications for media regulation and freedom of expression in Punjab. The outcome of the case is expected to have broader implications for the balance between defamation regulation and constitutional rights in Pakistan.

April 27, 2026 - Comments Off on Journalist Granted Bail in PECA Case Amid Concerns Over Criminalisation of Online Speech

Journalist Granted Bail in PECA Case Amid Concerns Over Criminalisation of Online Speech

A judicial magistrate in Islamabad granted post-arrest bail to senior journalist Fakharur Rehman, who had been detained by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The case, filed against multiple individuals, alleged the dissemination of “false and misleading information against state institutions” on social media platform X. Rehman was charged under provisions related to dignity and the spread of fake information. During the hearing, the defence argued that the journalist had merely shared a statement and that his device had already been recovered, calling the case baseless. The prosecution opposed the bail, citing the responsibilities of journalism. The court granted bail against surety bonds of Rs50,000. The case has raised broader concerns about the use of cybercrime laws to target journalists and the implications for freedom of expression and media independence in Pakistan.