Cop briefly detained under Peca over social media post

A police officer was briefly detained over posting allegedly offensive content on social media about Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, according to officials of the Sukkan police station.

The case was registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) on the complaint of ASI Yaqoon, who claimed he came across an offensive comment while browsing through Facebook on his mobile phone.

The comment, posted from an account belonging to Sub-Inspector Abrar Shah, reportedly contained inappropriate language targeting the president, which the complainant claimed was deeply hurtful to him and other citizens. Screenshots of the comment were also provided as evidence.

Police sources said the comment was posted on April 2, prompting an immediate response from the authorities. The Sukkan police registered an FIR and arrested SI Shah. The case was then handed over to the investigation officer for further legal action.

However, according to reports, when the officer was produced before a judicial magistrate in Malir, the court ordered his release under Section 63 of the Criminal Procedure Code, citing that the case lacked sufficient merit. Shah, who is posted at the Ibrahim Hyderi police station, was then released.