Online campaign against judiciary: FIA takes legal action against journalist

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched legal proceedings against journalist and YouTuber Imran Riaz Khan, accusing him of spearheading an online campaign against the judiciary.

The case was filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, specifically invoking Section 20, which deals with privacy violations and includes charges related to threats and abetment. The complaint was lodged by Islamabad resident Ahmad Sadiq Khan, who alleged that Imran Riaz and others were involved in a coordinated social media effort aimed at defaming the judiciary. The FIA’s Cyber Crime Circle in Islamabad registered the case, naming seven individuals in addition to Imran Riaz Khan. The accused include Mujahid Ali Shah, Allah Nawaz Khan, Sohail Ahmed, Umar Sadiq, Sadiq Anjum, Musadiq Abbasi, and Tariq Saleem. Sources within the FIA indicated that arrests of those involved are imminent, with further investigations possibly leading to charges against other vloggers and YouTubers engaged in similar activities. The move is part of a broader crackdown by authorities to monitor and take action against social media content they view as harmful to state institutions, particularly the judiciary. The case has attracted widespread attention, raising concerns among journalists and social media influencers about freedom of expression and the increasing scrutiny of online platforms.