Islamabad, April 26 — A local court refused 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 detained a day earlier under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). An 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 lawyer Ahad Khokhar argued the prosecution had not proved Rehman’s alleged role.
Khokhar said Rehman had merely quoted a religious scholar and expressed no personal opinion, noting the same video had been widely shared and questioning why the original speaker had not been targeted. He asked whether investigators had recorded the cleric’s statement and said Rehman had complied with an NCCIA notice issued on April 14, maintained his innocence, and cooperated with investigators.
The defence opposed physical remand, saying Rehman’s phone was already in custody and no further recovery was needed, and sought his discharge. The prosecution countered that although Rehman admitted owning the post, he had not provided his phone password, requiring further forensic examination, and thus sought physical remand. The court rejected that request and ordered judicial remand.
The FIR cites 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 growing criticism of PECA, especially after its controversial amendment in January 2025. Media organizations and rights groups have condemned the law as repressive, warning it is being used to suppress dissent and restrict press freedom in Pakistan. (ANI)
