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May 20, 2026 - Comments Off on Legal Proceedings for Rights Lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chatha

Legal Proceedings for Rights Lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chatha

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued notices regarding early hearing requests for sentence suspension pleas filed by human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chatha. The couple, sentenced to 17 years for "cyber terrorism" and "glorification of an offence" under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), remains in jail following a 2025 conviction linked to social media posts. The IHC previously raised procedural objections regarding the non-submission of certified Supreme Court orders. The court eventually adjourned the matter until after Eidul Azha, as legal counsel continues to advocate for the suspension of sentences pending the resolution of their criminal appeals.

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.  

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.

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 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.

 

April 21, 2026 - Comments Off on Amnesty International Reports Global Rights Crisis and Pakistani Restrictions

Amnesty International Reports Global Rights Crisis and Pakistani Restrictions

Amnesty International’s 2026 report warns of a global assault on human rights, highlighting Pakistan’s weaponization of cybercrime and anti-terror laws to silence dissent. The watchdog noted that the 27th Amendment undermined judicial independence while authorities used detention and internet shutdowns to suppress activists. Pakistan’s web monitoring systems, updated with Chinese technology, reportedly facilitated increased surveillance. The findings detail restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the targeting of journalists under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. Amnesty emphasized that technology and artificial intelligence are increasingly enabling state repression, creating an unprecedented crisis for fundamental civil liberties across the globe.

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.

 

April 7, 2026 - Comments Off on 187 Cases Registered Under Amended PECA to Curb Digital Misinformation

187 Cases Registered Under Amended PECA to Curb Digital Misinformation

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed the National Assembly that 187 cases have been registered under the amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025 for the intentional spread of false information online. Under Section 26A, the law criminalises the dissemination of fake content that may incite fear, panic, or public disorder. The ministry stated that enforcement targets malicious actors while safeguarding freedom of expression, noting that the law does not apply to legitimate criticism or journalistic work conducted in good faith. Officials emphasised that all cases undergo due process and judicial review to balance regulation with constitutional protections.

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.