KARACHI: A District and Sessions Court (East) in Karachi on Wednesday reserved its verdict on journalist Iqrarul Hassan’s bail application in a case involving allegations of spreading anti-state content through social media.
The court reserved its decision after hearing arguments from the defence. A judicial magistrate had previously rejected Hassan’s bail plea.
The case was registered under Sections 9, 10, 20, 24 and 26-A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. The verdict is scheduled to be announced on Thursday, October 29.
Defence Challenges Charges Under PECA
During Wednesday’s hearing, Hassan’s newly appointed defence counsel argued that the journalist had neither promoted terrorism nor glorified any proscribed organisation.
The lawyer maintained that the legal provisions invoked in the case did not apply to Hassan’s conduct, arguing that his comments concerned the possible imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The defence challenged the basis of the allegations and sought bail for the journalist.
According to the first information report (FIR), Hassan allegedly used his personal accounts on X, Instagram and Facebook to disseminate false, fabricated, anti-state and defamatory content intended to provoke the public against the state, its institutions and government officials.
The FIR further alleged that his posts presented state institutions and their actions in a distorted manner and sought to portray lawful measures as controversial.
These claims remain allegations in the case, with the court yet to announce its decision on the bail application.
Court Proceedings and Physical Remand
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) produced Hassan before a judicial magistrate in Karachi on October 13, after which he was remanded into the agency’s physical custody for four days.
On October 16, the District and Sessions Court (East) dismissed a petition challenging the physical remand. The defence had questioned the legality of the proceedings, arguing that the case involved digital and cyber-related matters.
A day later, on October 17, the court extended Hassan’s physical remand by two days. His lawyers’ application was rejected, and the NCCIA was directed to submit a report at the next hearing.
The proceedings have since continued as the journalist seeks relief through the courts.
Iqrarul Hassan Sent to NCCIA on Four-Day Physical Remand in Karachi
FIR Alleges Social Media Posts Sought to Incite Public
The FIR alleged that Hassan’s social media content was published openly on platforms accessible to users in Pakistan and abroad.
It claimed that the journalist had a substantial following and that his posts were intended to influence public opinion against state institutions and legally constituted authorities.
The defence, however, argued that the content related to political developments and did not amount to promoting terrorism or supporting a banned organisation.
The court’s forthcoming decision will determine whether Hassan is granted bail while the case proceeds.
Journalist’s Wife Had Alleged Unidentified Men Took Him Away
The case also drew attention after Hassan’s wife, Farah Iqrar, described the circumstances surrounding his disappearance from their residence in Lahore.
On October 12, she told The Express Tribune that between five and seven unidentified individuals, including women, had arrived at their home in Defence C, Lahore, during the night between Sunday and Monday.
According to her account, the individuals allegedly identified themselves as NCCIA officials and demanded that Hassan come outside. She claimed they threatened to break down the door if he was not handed over.
Farah further alleged that the individuals entered the house, forcibly took Hassan from a room and removed him from the residence.
Her account formed part of the public controversy surrounding the journalist’s detention, while the legal proceedings have focused on the allegations contained in the PECA case.
The court is expected to announce its decision on Hassan’s bail plea on Thursday, October 29.
