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Pakistan NCCIA digital content prosecutions

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2026-07-26 07:56 UTC → 2026-07-30 08:18 UTC · added removed

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has continued to expand its prosecution of online material deemed hostile to religious sentiment, state institutions, or public order. After detaining journalist Rehan Tariq in early July for a podcast featuring a religious scholar, the agency pursued additional cases. On 19 July it summoned Noreen Niazi, sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, to appear at its Islamabad office on 20 July. Authorities said she circulated “false, offensive and inflammatory” content that defames state institutions and spreads fake narratives. In a widely shared interview, Niazi claimed the May 2025 India‑Pakistan military confrontation was staged to improve the Pakistani army’s image, suggested Pakistan was moving toward recognising Israel, and linked the episode to U.S. President Donald Trump’s praise of Pakistan. The summons warned non‑attendance could be treated as an admission of having no defence and could result in prosecution under Section 174 of the Penal Code. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari condemned the remarks as political attacks on the armed forces. International observers, including Jemima Goldsmith, described the action as a criminalisation of political speech and highlighted a broader trend of treating dissenting commentary as a security issue. These developments illustrate The case was later registered under the NCCIA’s widening focus on digital expression, extending from religious‑blasphemy cases to politically sensitive commentary. Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 and the Penal Code. The Lahore High Court granted Noreen Niazi a one‑week protective bail, restricting any arrest during that period while the investigation proceeds.

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  1. 2026-07-30 08:18 UTC Pakistan NCCIA digital content prosecutions
  2. 2026-07-26 07:56 UTC Pakistan NCCIA digital content prosecutions

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