ISLAMABAD — The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a social media user in Islamabad on charges of running an “anti-state campaign” and leaking sensitive government data, according to a spokesman from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The suspect, identified as Asad Nawaz, was taken into custody during a raid in Bani Gala, on the outskirts of the capital. The FIA’s cybercrime wing has filed a case against Nawaz under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, accusing him of illegally accessing the passport and immigration database.
According to the FIA, Nawaz allegedly shared personal passport details of citizens and photos of high-ranking government officials on social media. The agency claims that the accused attempted to spread fear and panic among the public by disseminating sensitive information through an X (formerly Twitter) account.
Prosecutor Sheikh Aamir and Sub-Inspector Hayat Mir Khattak presented Nawaz before an Islamabad district court on Friday. The prosecution sought a five-day physical remand to interrogate the suspect further. However, Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Abbas Shah granted a four-day physical remand.
This arrest is part of a broader crackdown on cybercrime in Pakistan, which has seen a series of similar detentions in recent days. Earlier this week, the FIA arrested another suspect in Islamabad for allegedly running an “anti-state campaign” on social media in connection with the Jaffar Express train attack.
In a separate incident on Thursday, journalist Farhan Mallick was arrested in Karachi over the content of his YouTube channel. According to an FIA official, Mallick had produced “several programmes against the security establishment,” though specific charges were not immediately disclosed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman emphasized that the government is committed to safeguarding national security and preventing the misuse of digital platforms. “The recent actions by the FIA underscore the government’s resolve to combat cybercrime and protect sensitive state data from unauthorized access and dissemination,” the spokesman said.
The arrests have sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the government’s efforts to curb cyber threats, while others have raised concerns about freedom of expression and the potential for misuse of cybercrime laws.
As the investigation into Nawaz’s case continues, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activity to the FIA’s cybercrime wing.