KARACHI (Kashmir English): The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested prominent TV host Iqrar-ul-Hassan in Lahore after registering a case against him under the PECA Act; meanwhile, a court in Karachi East has granted a four-day physical remand of the accused and ordered his production again on October 17.
According to documents, Case No. 101/2026 was registered at the NCCIA’s Cyber Crime Reporting Center in Karachi on October 10, 2026, invoking Sections 9, 10, 24, and 26 of the PECA Act 2016.
The FIR alleges that Iqrar-ul-Hassan disseminated allegedly false and misleading information regarding state institutions, government officials, and public figures via his TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. Investigating officials stated that this content posed a risk of inciting public distrust and agitation against these institutions.
NCCIA documents indicate that Iqrar-ul-Hassan was arrested in Lahore on October 12; during the operation, four iPhones and an iPad were taken into custody for digital forensic examination.
A preliminary technical report revealed that social media accounts attributed to Iqrar-ul-Hassan were logged into one of the seized iPhones, and the relevant posts were also found in the device’s gallery.
Officials stated that further detailed analysis is required to verify the content. On October 13, the NCCIA investigating officer produced Iqrar-ul-Hassan before the court of the Judicial Magistrate, Karachi East, and requested a 14-day physical remand.
According to the investigating officer, it is necessary to examine the accused’s mobile phones, laptops, SIM cards, social media accounts, and other digital records.
Authorities also intend to gather evidence regarding the recovery of deleted data, the examination of devices used to create and publish the alleged material, potential funding sources, and the involvement of other individuals.
After reviewing the record and hearing the investigating officer’s arguments, the court partially granted the request and remanded Iqrar-ul-Hassan to NCCIA custody for four days; the court directed that he be produced again on October 17, accompanied by a progress report on the investigation.
It should be noted that the allegations in the case remain just that—allegations—and their final status will be determined in light of judicial proceedings and available evidence.
