Pakistan, Jan. 8 — Journalist Muhammad Aslam Shah was sent to prison on judicial remand on Wednesday, a day after the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested him under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2025. The arrest follows a complaint filed on December 29, 2025, by Tabish Raza Husnain, reportedly an official of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC).
The FIR cited Sections 20, covering offences against the dignity of a natural person, and Section 24, pertaining to cyberstalking. According to the complaint, Shah allegedly engaged in “defamation propaganda” against Husnain and his superior, Colonel Anjum, on social media, using abusive language that caused distress and harmed their reputations.
NCCIA submitted screenshots of the alleged content as evidence and claimed that multiple notices were issued to Shah to appear before the agency for inquiry. The agency stated that Shah repeatedly avoided participation in the proceedings, displaying a “non-cooperative and evasive attitude.”
On Wednesday, NCCIA sought 14-day custody of the journalist for further interrogation. However, the judicial magistrate (South) was not satisfied with the investigating officer’s request and denied the remand, instead sending Shah to prison on judicial remand.
The case highlights growing enforcement under the Peca 2025 framework, which criminalises online harassment, cyberstalking, and acts that violate the dignity of individuals in digital spaces. Authorities have emphasised that individuals are required to cooperate with investigations, and failure to appear before the NCCIA may result in judicial action, as reflected in Shah’s remand.
Shah’s imprisonment will continue until further proceedings, and the court is expected to review the case in the coming hearings. Legal experts note that cases under Peca often involve careful evaluation of digital evidence, social media communications, and compliance with notice requirements.
