Raoof Hasan sent on 14 day judicial remand

A court in Islamabad has ordered a 14-day judicial remand for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member Raoof Hasan and other suspects involved in an anti-state propaganda case. District and Sessions Judge Shafiq Bhatti issued the remand after rejecting the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) request for an additional five-day physical remand.

Hasan, who was arrested last Monday, had initially been given a two-day remand, followed by a three-day extension, and subsequently a two-day remand for further investigation. In today’s hearing, the FIA’s prosecutor presented a technical report indicating that all suspects, affiliated with PTI’s media cell, were in contact with each other. The prosecutor argued for a further five-day remand to continue the investigation.

Defence counsel Ali Zafar, a senior lawyer and PTI leader, opposed the extension, citing Hasan’s deteriorating health. Zafar requested a medical check-up for Hasan, which the court granted, ordering authorities to ensure he receives appropriate medical attention.

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The FIA’s case involves allegations against PTI’s information secretary and several media cell members, who are accused of running a digital media campaign engaging in anti-Pakistan propaganda. The FIR, filed by CTD Inspector Sajid Ikram, cites involvement in cyber-terrorism, hate speech, and the glorification of offenses under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca).

According to the FIR, the suspects, including Hasan, Afaq Ahmed Alvi, Hameedullah, Rashid Mahmood, and others, are accused of using social media to undermine Pakistan’s integrity and disrupt law and order. The FIR alleges that Hasan directed the media cell members to incite public unrest against the state and military.