A judicial magistrate in Karachi has sent television anchorperson Iqrarul Hassan to judicial custody until October 26 in a cybercrime case involving allegations of disseminating anti-state content.

Hassan was produced before Karachi East Judicial Magistrate-I Gulraiz Memon on Monday after completing six days of physical remand. His lawyer, Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq, appeared on his behalf.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) requested an additional eight days of physical remand. However, the court rejected the request and ordered judicial custody.

Court Rejects NCCIA Request for Further Remand

In his order, Judge Gulraiz Memon observed that the agency had received sufficient time to question the suspect.

“No cogent reason has been given by NCCIA for extension of physical custody; therefore, the accused is remanded to judicial custody till Oct 26,” the judge stated.

The magistrate also noted that Hassan had not complained of any maltreatment by the police.

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The NCCIA submitted an investigation report under Section 167 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The agency said the investigation had progressed, but several aspects of the case remained unresolved.

According to the report, investigators were examining forensic findings from Hassan’s seized digital devices. They were also seeking records from other departments, including the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).

NCCIA Alleges Dissemination of Anti-State Content

The case relates to a video Hassan shared on X, Instagram and Facebook on October 10.

According to the NCCIA, the video allegedly contained false, fabricated, anti-state and defamatory material. The agency claimed the content aimed to provoke public opposition to the state, its institutions and government officials.

The investigation agency further alleged that the posts portrayed lawful measures as controversial. It also claimed they glorified convicted individuals in a manner intended to encourage public dissent.

Moreover, the NCCIA argued that the content was publicly accessible in Pakistan and abroad. It alleged that the posts threatened national unity, the federation’s integrity and public order.

These allegations form part of the agency’s case and have not been established as proven findings by the court.

Case Registered Under PECA Provisions

Hassan was booked in the October 10 case under several provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

The charges include Section 9, concerning glorification of an offence; Section 10, concerning cyberterrorism; Section 24, concerning cyberstalking; and Section 26A, concerning false and fake information.

Hassan had reportedly criticised government policies on social media.

The court’s decision places him in judicial custody until October 26 as the investigation continues.