RAWALPINDI – A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) social media activist was sent to jail on judicial remand after a Rawalpindi court rejected the Federal Investigation Agency’s request for physical custody in an anti-state tweet case.
Khaula Chaudhry, a prominent PTI digital campaigner, was presented before Duty Judge Abdul Sattar by FIA Assistant Director Zeeshan, who requested a five-day physical remand for further investigation. However, the court dismissed the agency’s plea and ordered the accused to be placed under judicial remand.
According to court proceedings, Chaudhry was apprehended by the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing late Saturday night at Islamabad Airport as she prepared to depart for Umrah with her husband. The arrest stemmed from allegations that she posted content on social media platforms deemed critical of state institutions.
Defense Argues Political Motivation
Chaudhry’s legal team, comprising Mian Ali Ashfaq Chaudhry, Owais Younis, Barrister Fahad, and Sardar Qadeer, vigorously contested the FIA’s remand request. The defense argued that the charges were politically motivated and lacked substantial evidence to warrant physical custody.
The judge, after reviewing the case details and arguments from both sides, ruled in favor of judicial remand rather than granting the investigative agency’s request for physical custody. This decision allows Chaudhry to remain in jail while the investigation continues, rather than being held in FIA custody for interrogation.
Growing Pattern of Social Media Arrests
This case represents part of a broader trend of legal actions against PTI-affiliated social media activists under Pakistan’s cyber crime laws. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) has been increasingly invoked in cases involving political content on digital platforms.
The court has directed authorities to continue their inquiry and submit a comprehensive progress report at the next scheduled hearing.
