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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.

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.

March 31, 2026 - Comments Off on Court Records Testimonies in Ongoing Sana Yousuf Murder Trial

Court Records Testimonies in Ongoing Sana Yousuf Murder Trial

A district and sessions court in Islamabad recorded statements from key witnesses, including the mother, father, and maternal aunt of Sana Yousuf, as proceedings continued in her murder trial. The victim’s mother testified about the events of the day, identifying the accused and detailing the circumstances surrounding the incident. The court also completed cross-examinations of other family members, bringing the total number of recorded witness statements to 28. The case has drawn attention to issues of gender-based violence and the importance of due process, with further hearings scheduled as the prosecution continues to present evidence.

 

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.