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March 2, 2026 - Comments Off on Journalist Sohrab Barkat given bail by IHC

Journalist Sohrab Barkat given bail by IHC

Bail for journalist Sohrab Barkat has been restored by the Islamabad High Court in the last remaining cybercrime case filed against him by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).  After hearing Barkat’s petition challenging the cancellation of his bail, the IHC restored the bail, directing authorities to release him immediately. The case against the journalist stems from allegations of spreading misinformation about state institutions during an interview. 

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. 

 

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 9, 2026 - Comments Off on IHC questions the definition of ‘fake news’ in PECA

IHC questions the definition of ‘fake news’ in PECA

Islamabad High Court Justice Minhas has raised critical questions about how ‘fake news’ will be defined and enforced under the amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The amendments, challenged by journalists and other media bodies, are argued to undermine freedom of expression and vest excessive authority in the executive. Justice Minhas has sought clarification on who decides whether information is fake and how proceedings in a case like this would begin, highlighting the vagueness in the law. 

February 9, 2026 - Comments Off on Ducky Bhai indicted in gambling app case

Ducky Bhai indicted in gambling app case

Youtuber Saad ur Rehman, better known as Ducky Bhai, was formally indicted by a Lahore magistrate alongside his wife and others in connection with the alleged promotion of gambling and betting apps on social media. The case was registered by the NCCIA in June 2025 and has accused several influencers of using their platforms to advertise gambling apps for financial gain, which violates several provisions of PECA. The accused all pleaded not guilty.

February 7, 2026 - Comments Off on Imaan Mazari and husband move IHC against conviction

Imaan Mazari and husband move IHC against conviction

Lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali have filed separate criminal appeals in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to overturn their conviction in the social media posts case. They seek to have their verdict from January 24 declared null and void arguing that it was issued in violation of legal and procedural norms. The couple, sentenced to a combined 17 years in prison, say that the trial court lacked jurisdiction and that their right to a fair trial was undermined. Claims of custodial torture were at arrest were also raised.

December 18, 2025 - Comments Off on PTA concludes “Cybersecurity Awareness Week” with little focus on redressal mechanisms

PTA concludes “Cybersecurity Awareness Week” with little focus on redressal mechanisms

PTA’s flagship “Cybersecurity Awareness Week” event concluded this Wednesday. The campaign offered no fresh solutions to victims of cyber harassment, focusing instead on preventive mechanisms through awareness campaigns across a wide range of emerging digital trends. This included sessions on safe use of AI, online reporting, and digital footprints. Ultimately, the PTA encouraged new digital users to become responsible “Digital Citizens”, and sidelined discussions on legal redress mechanisms and institutional obstacles for victims. These institutional failures are evident in the slow responses of authorities like the NCCIA in resolving citizen complaints and grievances. 

December 15, 2025 - Comments Off on YouTube content creators granted pre-arrest bail by Lahore Court

YouTube content creators granted pre-arrest bail by Lahore Court

Popular Youtube content creators Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarik have been granted pre-arrest bail till January 6th. Both creators were implicated in multiple FIRs booked under various cybercrime provisions. These relate primarily to PECA-related provisions on the misuse of digital apps, promotion of gambling, and online harassment. Rajab Butt is further booked under blasphemy and cybercrime laws for causing a “religious stir” by allegedly naming his perfume brand after the blasphemy law in Pakistan’s Penal Code. In recent months, the NCCIA has clamped down on multiple YouTube content creators  for promoting gambling applications through their channels.

October 30, 2025 - Comments Off on Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha Indicted in Social Media Case

Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha Indicted in Social Media Case

An Islamabad district and sessions court indicted human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, in a case related to controversial social media posts. The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had registered the case under the PECA Act, accusing the couple of attempting to incite linguistic divisions and creating the impression that the armed forces were engaged in terrorism. Both accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court summoned all prosecution witnesses for the next hearing on November 5. Chattha, who was briefly arrested the previous day for non-appearance, was present and later released.

October 29, 2025 - Comments Off on Imaan Mazari’s Husband Hadi Ali Chattha Arrested at Islamabad Court

Imaan Mazari’s Husband Hadi Ali Chattha Arrested at Islamabad Court

Hadi Ali Chattha, husband of lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, was arrested outside a courtroom in Islamabad in a case related to controversial social media posts. Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka issued an arrest warrant after Chattha was recorded as having "intentionally not appeared," despite his wife claiming he was present in court. Chattha was arrested under a non-bailable warrant, which his wife termed "completely illegal." The case was registered by the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under the PECA Act, accusing the couple of attempting to incite linguistic divisions and portraying armed forces as ineffective.