Archive · 8 Jan 2026
Journalist Arrested Under Peca in Pakistan
A journalist named Muhammad Aslam Shah was arrested in Pakistan for allegedly saying mean things and spreading false information about someone on social media.
The police wanted to question him for 14 days, but the judge decided to send him to prison instead.
A group that supports journalists, called the International Federation of Journalists, is worried about this and other problems journalists face in Pakistan.
They met with leaders in France and asked Pakistan's government to help protect journalists and stop using a law called Peca to arrest them.
The group also said that journalists are not being paid and are losing their jobs, which is making their lives very difficult.
Journalist Muhammad Aslam Shah was arrested under Peca for alleged defamation and cyberstalking.
The complaint was filed by Tabish Raza Husnain, accusing Shah of defamation propaganda and abusive language.
The NCCIA requested 14-day custody for questioning, but the magistrate sent Shah to prison on judicial remand.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) expressed concerns over the targeting of journalists in Pakistan.
IFJ leaders met with a Pakistani journalists' delegation in Paris and called for the withdrawal of Peca-based cases and protection for journalists.
- Who
- Journalist Muhammad Aslam Shah
- What
- Arrested under Peca for alleged defamation and cyberstalking
- When
- Arrested on December 29, presented in court on Wednesday
- Where
- Pakistan
- Why
- Complaint filed by Tabish Raza Husnain, alleging defamation propaganda and abusive language
Government and Law Enforcement
Journalists and Advocacy Groups
Use of Peca
Government and Law Enforcement
The government and law enforcement agencies argue that Peca is necessary to prevent cybercrimes and protect individuals' dignity and reputation.
Journalists and Advocacy Groups
Journalists and advocacy groups like the IFJ believe that Peca is being misused to target and silence journalists, and they call for the withdrawal of such cases.
Censorship and Harassment
Government and Law Enforcement
Government institutions maintain that their actions are lawful and necessary to maintain public order and prevent defamation.
Journalists and Advocacy Groups
The IFJ and PFUJ describe the actions as 'unconstitutional and undemocratic' and highlight the harassment and censorship faced by journalists.
Economic Conditions
Government and Law Enforcement
The government may argue that economic decisions are made based on broader fiscal policies and not specifically targeted at journalists.
Journalists and Advocacy Groups
The IFJ and PFUJ describe the forced layoffs and non-payment of salaries as an 'economic massacre' and call for urgent legislation to protect journalists' rights.
- Journalist
- Muhammad Aslam Shah
- Arresting Agency
- National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA)
- Act
- Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2025
- Complainant
- Tabish Raza Husnain
- Charges
- Defamation and cyberstalking
- Organization Concerned
- International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
- Meeting Location
- Paris, France
- Sections of Peca
- Section 20 (offences against the dignity of a natural person) and Section 24 (cyberstalking)
- Request by NCCIA
- 14-day custody for questioning
- Remand Decision
- Judicial remand in prison
