An Islamabad judicial magistrate extended the physical remand of journalist Muhammad Bilal Ghauri by two days on Thursday following his detention by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca). According to court records, Ghauri was originally taken into police custody for three days on September 6 over commentary regarding the appointment of Major General Faisal Naseer as the national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta).
Court Proceedings and Remand Arguments
During Thursday’s hearing before Judicial Magistrate Malik Aman, the NCCIA sought Ghauri’s custody for another six days to continue the investigation. Opposing the request, Ghauri’s counsel, Imran Shafiq, argued that the agency had already stated required recoveries were complete. According to the defense, investigators had seized Ghauri’s mobile phone and laptop while maintaining full access to his social media accounts. Shafiq also challenged the prosecution to establish how his client’s statements were incorrect, stating that investigators had not questioned Ghauri about the substance of the claims.
Addressing the court directly, Ghauri confirmed that the investigating agency held possession of all his accounts, mobile phone, and laptop. The investigating officer countered that two-step verification was enabled on the journalist’s social media accounts, creating obstacles for investigators attempting to log in. Following the arguments, Judicial Magistrate Aman extended Ghauri’s physical remand by two days and ordered the NCCIA to produce him in court again on September 12.
Details of the FIR and Cybercrime Allegations
The First Information Report (FIR) was registered on the state’s behalf through NCCIA Technical Assistant Muhammad Umair Warsi under Section 20, covering offenses against the dignity of a natural person, and Section 26-A, addressing the dissemination of false and fake information under Peca. According to the FIR, Ghauri allegedly uploaded and disseminated content concerning the appointment of Nacta’s national coordinator. The document states that the material contained assertions and allegations regarding the process and circumstances of the appointment.
An inquiry cited in the FIR concluded that Ghauri intentionally created, uploaded, transmitted, and disseminated false narratives across social media platforms. Investigators determined that the content was false, misleading, and presented without any lawful, factual, or independently verifiable basis. Defense counsel noted that the vlog containing the contested remarks was uploaded on September 5, and Ghauri was arrested that same night.
Did You Know?
According to court documentation, Ghauri’s legal proceedings stem from a vlog and social media commentary published on September 5, which focused on the appointment of the national coordinator for the National Counter Terrorism Authority.
Broader Context and Press Freedom Concerns
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) stated Tuesday that Pakistani authorities must immediately release Ghauri and drop the cybercrime case against him. CPJ’s Afghanistan-Pakistan representative, Waliullah Rahmani, described the detention as a disturbing attack on press freedom that prevents journalists from scrutinizing state institutions without fear of reprisal. Ghauri covers news via a popular YouTube channel and has experienced previous scrutiny from authorities, including a June 2021 summons by the Federal Investigation Agency over alleged online defamation.
Ghauri’s detention aligns with an escalating reliance by Pakistani authorities on Peca and other cybercrime laws targeting journalists and online commentators. On July 29, the NCCIA summoned Islamabad-based journalist and YouTuber Asad Ali Toor for questioning under Peca over alleged false information dissemination. Journalist Sohrab Barkat has also faced detention and prosecution under the act regarding his reporting. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar did not respond to CPJ text messages requesting comment on the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was journalist Bilal Ghauri detained by authorities?
According to the NCCIA, Ghauri was detained under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) for allegedly spreading false information and creating content concerning the appointment of Nacta’s national coordinator.
What specific sections of the law were cited against Ghauri?
The FIR was registered under Section 20, addressing offenses against the dignity of a natural person, and Section 26-A, covering the dissemination of false and fake information under Peca.
What did Ghauri’s legal defense argue in court?
Defense counsel Imran Shafiq argued that the NCCIA had already completed its recoveries by taking possession of Ghauri’s mobile phone, laptop, and social media accounts, rendering further physical remand unnecessary.
How do these recent cybercrime prosecutions under Peca impact independent reporting and digital media commentary across Pakistan?
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