Iqrarul Hassan: Karachi court extends journalist’s physical remand by two days

A Karachi court has extended journalist Iqrarul Hassan’s physical remand by two days in a case involving allegations of disseminating anti-state content and harming state security and national integrity.

The judicial magistrate (East) also rejected an application filed by Hassan’s lawyers and directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to submit a report at the next hearing.

Last week, the NCCIA produced Hassan before the court, which granted the agency four days of physical remand. On Thursday, the District and Sessions Court East dismissed a petition challenging the remand.

The defence counsel questioned the legality of the proceedings, arguing that the case involved digital and cyber matters.

The case was registered under Sections 9, 10, 20, 24 and 26-A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. According to the first information report (FIR), Hassan allegedly used his personal accounts on X, Instagram and Facebook to circulate content described by investigators as false, fabricated, anti-state and defamatory.

The FIR alleges that the posts sought to provoke the public against the state, its institutions and government officials. It further claims that the content presented state institutions and their actions in a distorted manner and portrayed lawful measures as controversial.

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Investigators also alleged that Hassan’s social media following allowed the content to reach a broad audience in Pakistan and abroad through publicly accessible posts.

According to Farah, between five and seven people, including women, arrived at the house late on Sunday night, during the transition into Monday. She alleged that they demanded Hassan come outside and threatened to break down the door if he was not handed over.

She further claimed that the individuals entered the house, took Hassan from a room by force and removed him from the premises.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari subsequently said Punjab Police had not arrested Hassan. She added that an investigation was under way and that his family would be informed once officials verified information about his whereabouts.

Hours before the reported incident, Hassan had posted a message on X criticising the Pakistan Peoples Party and referring to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari.

The allegations against Hassan remain allegations, and the court proceedings are ongoing.