A Judicial Magistrate-East court in Karachi on Thursday rejected the bail application of Awam Raj Tehreek chief Iqrarul Hassan in a case involving the alleged dissemination of anti-state content on social media.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) registered Case No. 101/2026 against Hassan under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The case concerns allegations that he shared material on social media that authorities consider anti-state content.
Following the court’s decision, Hassan’s lawyer told the media outside the court that the defence would approach the Sindh High Court to seek suspension of the order. The lawyer said the legal team would take further steps after receiving the detailed judgment.
Court Rejects Bail Application
The Judicial Magistrate-East rejected Hassan’s bail plea on Thursday. The decision means he has not secured release through this application.
The defence is preparing to challenge the order before the Sindh High Court. Further proceedings will depend on the detailed judgment and the arguments presented before the higher court.
The case has been registered under PECA, Pakistan’s law dealing with electronic crimes. The allegations against Hassan relate to content reportedly shared on social media. The allegations have not been established as proven facts merely by the registration of the case.
Iqrarul Hassan Sent to Jail on Judicial Remand
On October 19, the judicial magistrate sent Hassan to jail on judicial remand after rejecting the NCCIA’s request for further physical remand.
The agency had produced him before the Judicial Magistrate-East and requested additional time in physical custody to investigate the allegations concerning the social media posts.
However, the court rejected the request and directed the NCCIA to submit the challan, or formal police report, within 14 days.
Judicial remand means an accused person is held in jail while the case proceeds through the legal process, rather than remaining in the investigating agency’s physical custody.
Arrest and Transfer to Karachi
According to the reported details, Hassan was arrested in Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA). He was subsequently brought to Karachi at around 1am.
The NCCIA later presented him before the court in connection with the case. The proceedings have since included the agency’s request for further physical remand, the court’s order for judicial remand, and the rejection of his bail application.
The next major step is expected to be the defence’s move before the Sindh High Court. The detailed judgment and subsequent court proceedings may provide further clarity on the legal grounds behind the decision.
The case remains at the legal proceedings stage, and the allegations against Hassan will be dealt with through the relevant judicial process.
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