Islamabad Journalist Arrested over Spreading Provocative Content against State: Outrage and Demands for Explanation Ensue

Islamabad-based journalist Muhammad Khalid Jamil has been remanded in the custody of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for two days after being arrested for spreading provocative content against state institutions on social media. Jamil's arrest came after the FIA found him sharing and propagating highly intimidating tweets on social media. The agency invoked the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and the Pakistan Penal Code to charge Jamil with intentionally exhibiting false information and harming the reputation and privacy of individuals. The FIA also accused him of propagating an anti-state, provocative, and hateful narrative.

The arrest has sparked strong condemnation from the journalist community, who are calling for an explanation from the agency. Journalist Maria Memon raised concerns about the FIA's swift action and its inconsistent response to other online harassment cases. Journalist Nusrat Javeed questioned the basis for Jamil's arrest and demanded a credible narrative to justify the detention. The interim Information Minister, Murtaza Solangi, stated that arrest and search warrants had been issued by a court, but he could not comment on the specific charges against Jamil. He assured that if any injustice occurred, it would be addressed within the law.