Arrest over Alleged Anti-State Posts
According to police sources, Chaudhry was arrested late Saturday by the Cyber Crime Agency over two social media posts that allegedly contained anti-state content. The posts reportedly drew attention from authorities concerned about the spread of material deemed harmful to state institutions.
She was presented before the Rawalpindi District Court on Sunday. The court rejected the police request for her continued custody and instead ordered that Chaudhry remain in judicial remand. Judicial remand typically allows courts to supervise investigations while the accused remains in detention, often pending further inquiry or trial.
Political Reactions and Free Speech Concerns
Chaudhry’s arrest has sparked criticism from PTI leaders, who condemned the detention and described it as an infringement on freedom of expression. Party officials have argued that social media activism should not be criminalized and called for legal safeguards to protect online speech.
Legal analysts note that Pakistan has recently intensified monitoring of online platforms under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), aimed at combating cybercrime and content considered harmful to national security. Critics, however, argue that the law is sometimes used to suppress political dissent.
Ongoing Investigations
Law enforcement agencies have stated that investigations into other social media accounts linked to similar content are ongoing. Authorities have emphasized that the case is part of broader efforts to scrutinize online activity that could potentially threaten state institutions.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between regulating digital content and safeguarding civil liberties, a debate that has grown increasingly prominent in Pakistan in recent years.
