Karachi journalist Muhammad Aslam Shah remained in custody on Monday after the hearing on his bail application was deferred due to the absence of the prosecutor representing the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
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Shah, who faces charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) for alleged social media defamation, had applied for post-arrest bail through his lawyer Nasir Ahmed before the Judicial Magistrate (South). During Monday’s hearing, an NCCIA official informed the court that the investigating officer was on leave and the case file was unavailable, requesting an adjournment to January 14. The magistrate accepted the request, noting that the prosecutor would appear at the next hearing.
In the bail application, counsel Ahmed argued that the case had been filed with malafide intent and aimed to “take revenge” rather than serve justice. He highlighted Shah’s 30 years of journalistic experience with reputable media organisations and invoked protection under Section 7 of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021.
Ahmed also contended that the charges against Shah did not carry life imprisonment or a death sentence, and that he had no history of convictions, would not tamper with witnesses, and was unlikely to abscond if released.
The FIR, lodged on December 29, 2025, was filed by Tabish Raza Husnain, reportedly an official of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC). It alleges that Shah engaged in “defamation propaganda” against him and his senior, Colonel Anjum, on social media and used abusive language causing reputational harm. The NCCIA stated that the complainant had submitted screenshots of the alleged content and issued multiple notices directing Shah to appear and clarify his position.
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As the case moves forward, Shah remains in jail, highlighting ongoing concerns about press freedoms and the handling of cyber defamation complaints in Pakistan.