Islamabad, April 26 — A local court on Friday denied the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency’s (NCCIA) request for physical remand of journalist Fakharur Rehman and ordered his transfer to jail on judicial remand, Dawn reported.
Rehman was arrested a day earlier under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The FIR dated April 20 accuses him of spreading “false and misleading information” about state institutions on the social media platform X. During proceedings before District Magistrate Yasir Mahmood, defence counsel Ahad Khokhar argued the prosecution had not established Rehman’s role in the alleged offence.
Khokhar told the court that Rehman had only quoted a religious scholar in a widely circulated video and had not expressed any personal opinion. He questioned why the original speaker had not been targeted and asked whether investigators had recorded the cleric’s statement. Khokhar also said Rehman complied with an NCCIA notice issued on April 14, maintained his innocence and cooperated with investigators.
The defence opposed physical remand on the grounds that Rehman’s phone was already in custody and no additional recovery was necessary, and it sought his discharge. Prosecutors countered that, although Rehman admitted making the post, he had not provided his phone password, which they said was needed for further forensic examination, and therefore sought physical remand. The court refused that request and placed Rehman on judicial remand.
The FIR invokes Sections 20 and 26-A of PECA, alleging Rehman and other journalists and commentators deliberately spread false narratives to incite unrest and discredit state institutions. Authorities say the online activity forms a pattern of ridiculing government functionaries.
The case comes amid heightened criticism of PECA, particularly following its controversial amendment in January 2025. Media organisations and rights groups have condemned the law as repressive, warning it is being used to curb dissent and restrict press freedom in Pakistan. (ANI)
