March 15, 2025
By Rehan Piracha
LAHORE
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered cases against three individuals, including a journalist, under the amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) law. The cases allege the spread of false information and incitement of public sentiment against state institutions in the aftermath of the Jaffar Express attack.
The FIA Cyber Crime Wing in Islamabad registered three cases against prominent Washington-based journalist Ahmad Noorani, along with lawyer Shafiq Ahmed, and social media activist Aina Darkhani. No arrests have been made as reportedly the social media accounts are operated from abroad.
The charges include spreading fake news, promoting anti-state propaganda, and attempting to incite public hatred against national institutions. According to the First Information Reports (FIRs), the accused used their verified social media accounts to promote a proscribed organization and create uncertainty among the public.
FIR details
The FIR against Ahmed Noorani (FIR No. 77/2025) states: “The accused, Ahmed Noorani, resident of Bani Gala, Islamabad, has been found involved in spreading false information and inciting public sentiment against state institutions through his social media accounts. The competent authority has accorded permission for the registration of the FIR, and the case is hereby registered.”
The FIR further alleges that Noorani used his verified social media accounts to promote a banned organisation and engage in propaganda aimed at undermining public trust in national institutions. Noorani has been charged with offences under sections 9 (Glorification of an offence), 10 (cyber terrorism) and 26-A (Spoofing) of the PECA.
The cases come in the wake of the Jaffar Express attack, a high-profile incident that tested the capabilities of Pakistan’s security forces. On March 11, an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion targeted the Jaffar Express, forcing the train to stop in a remote and challenging area. The attackers, reportedly affiliated with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), divided into multiple groups. One group launched an assault on a nearby Frontier Corps (FC) post, resulting in the martyrdom of three soldiers. Another group held women and children hostage inside the train, while others forced passengers to disembark and gathered them on the ground.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, flanked by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, briefed the media on the incident. He described the security operation as one of the most challenging in recent history, emphasizing that the hostages were rescued unharmed due to the swift and professional response of the security forces.
The registration of cases against journalists and activists has raised alarms among press freedom advocates and human rights organisations. They argue that the government is using the amended cybercrime law to silence criticism and dissent, particularly in the aftermath of sensitive incidents like the Jaffar Express attack.
Ahmed Noorani, one of the accused, is a well-known investigative journalist who has previously faced legal action for his reporting on national security issues.
Ongoing investigations
The FIA has stated that its investigations are ongoing, with additional social media accounts being scrutinised for their alleged role in spreading anti-state propaganda. The agency’s spokesperson emphasised that the crackdown is part of a broader effort to combat cybercrimes and ensure the responsible use of social media platforms.
However, critics argue that the government’s approach risks undermining fundamental rights and freedoms. They call for a balanced and transparent application of the law, ensuring that legitimate criticism and dissent are not conflated with criminal activity.
‘Prime example of abuse of cybercrime law’
“Digital rights activist Usama Khilji condemned the registration of cases under the cybercrime law, saying it’s a prime example of the abuse that journalists and activists had warned about when the government pushed through amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in parliament.
“’Reporting on incidents is now being penalized under the law,” Khilji said. “Journalists are being unfairly accused of spreading fake news simply for covering different aspects of nationally important events. This is an extremely draconian and anti-democratic move.”
As the investigations continue, the cases against Ahmad Noorani, Shafiq Ahmed, and Aina Darkhani have become a focal point in the ongoing debate over press freedom, freedom of expression, and the use of cybercrime laws in Pakistan.