LAHORE – Federal Investigators have arrested renowned columnist and televangelist Orya Maqbool Jan on charges of hate speech and insulting state institutions.
Orya Maqbool Jan, a prominent figure in Pakistani media and a former bureaucrat, was taken into custody by officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) cybercrime wing at his residence in Lahore’s Defense Housing Authority (DHA) Phase 6.
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Jan, who is also known for his YouTube channel, faces allegations of spreading religious hatred and disparaging national institutions. The 72-year-old, a well-regarded literary figure and former host of Harf-e-Raaz, is expected to be brought before the court today, where the FIA will request his physical remand.
The arrest has triggered a wave of outrage on social media, with many users calling for his release. Jan, known for his outspoken criticism of the current ruling coalition, had previously been arrested in June of the previous year for similar charges.
