Court grants physical remand of Farhan Asif over fake news fuelling UK riots

LAHORE: A special court on Wednesday granted physical remand of Farhan Asif, who was arrested for allegedly spreading fake news that contributed to last month’s riots in the UK.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Wing presented the suspect before the court, which approved a one-day physical remand and ordered Asif’s reappearance in court on Thursday (today). The FIA was directed to submit a detailed investigation report at the next hearing.

Asif faces charges under sections 9 and 10A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), after being accused of inciting unrest through social media.

According to the FIR, Asif shared images of a stabbing in the UK, falsely attributing the crime to a 17-year-old Muslim boy, Ali Shakti. The misinformation reportedly triggered widespread riots. During questioning, Asif admitted to spreading the fake news and providing false information to a foreign news outlet. The authorities seized two laptops and a mobile phone used in the alleged crime, which will undergo forensic examination.