September 25, 2025
By Rehan Piracha
LAHORE
A local court on Thursday granted a five-day physical remand of social media activist Falak Javed associated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), in connection with cases involving inappropriate content posted against state institutions and a provincial minister on social media platforms.
The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) presented Falak Javed before Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Naeem Wattoo at the District Court Lahore on Thursday, requesting physical custody for investigation purposes. After hearing arguments from both prosecution and defense counsel, the court approved the remand and ordered that the accused be presented again on September 30.
Defence counsel challenges charges
Defence counsel Mian Ali Ashfaq strongly opposed the physical remand request, arguing that more than a year has passed since the alleged incident occurred. The lawyer questioned the legal validity of the report submitted by NCCIA, stating that if this single report forms the entire basis of the case, then no substantial case exists against his client.
“This case has no private witness whatsoever, which means it cannot proceed legally,” Ashfaq argued before the court. He demanded that the court discharge Falak Javed, claiming the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to sustain the charges.
The defense lawyer also highlighted procedural concerns, questioning why NCCIA had not established an independent forensic agency as required by law, suggesting the current investigation methods violated legal protocols.
Prosecution seeks extended custody
Additional District Legal Officer Zaeena Zaheer, representing the prosecution, painted a different picture of the case. She informed the court that the accused had been evading arrest and was wanted in the ongoing investigation. “We conducted 36 raids to apprehend the accused,” Zaheer told the magistrate. “While her parents came forward and participated in the investigation, the accused herself remained absconding.”
The prosecution emphasized the need for digital evidence, requesting access to the accused’s mobile phone and other digital devices for forensic analysis. “We require the accused’s mobile device for forensic examination and need digital devices to compile documentary evidence,” Zaheer argued, initially seeking a 30-day physical remand.
Multiple cases
Falak Javed faces charges under two separate cases. The first case (110/24) was filed on a complaint by Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, alleging that the accused shared immoral video content. The second case (144/25) involves tweets against state institutions.
The charges fall under Section 40 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which deals with cybercrime offenses. Both cases require physical remand for thorough investigation, according to NCCIA officials.
In related proceedings, Falak Javed’s father, Javed, filed two separate applications through his lawyer. He requested the court to unfreeze a joint bank account he shares with his daughter, arguing that the account freeze following her arrest has created financial hardship for the family.
Additionally, he sought the return of mobile phones belonging to himself, his son, and grandson, which were confiscated during the investigation.
Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Naeem Watto, after carefully considering arguments from both sides, granted a more moderate five-day physical remand instead of the prosecution’s requested 30 days. This decision appears to balance the investigation needs with the defense’s concerns about the case’s legal foundation.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between digital rights activism and cybercrime enforcement in Pakistan, where social media regulations continue to evolve. The court’s decision to limit the remand period suggests judicial scrutiny of prosecution requests while maintaining the investigation process.
The next hearing is scheduled for September 30, when the court will review the progress of the investigation and determine further proceedings in both cases against the social media activist.
Falak Javed was taken into custody from Lahore’s Ichhra area after going into hiding for over a year. Authorities said Falak had earlier been declared an absconder after failing to cooperate in the investigations. Following her arrest, she was shifted to the Women Police Station from where she was produced before the court on Thursday.