FIA issues summons in cyber defamation case

LAHORE:The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Reporting Centre, Lahore, has summoned an individual in connection with an online defamation case. The notice, issued under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, directs Taimour Rehman of UMS University, Lahore, to appear before investigators on March 26, at 10 AM. According to the notice, the complainant, Hassan Muavia, alleged that an online campaign falsely linked him to a fictitious ‘blasphemy business,’ inciting religious sentiments against him and endangering his life.

The FIA has warned that failure to comply with the summons will be considered an admission of guilt and may lead to legal proceedings under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Talking to The News, Taimoor Rehman termed it ‘Absurd—I’ve been served an FIA notice for defamation over linking Hassan Muavia to the ‘Blasphemy Business’.’

Taimoor Rehman said while talking to The News that he has received a notice from the FIA for defamation. He termed the development ‘absurd,’ clarifying that in his retweets, he never mentioned anyone by name but only urged the state to conduct an investigation. He added that he had re-shared the information as a citizen’s concern which was shared on social media by other people as well. He added that he did not know who is Hassan Muavia, the complainant.