A judicial magistrate east in Karachi on October 17 extended the physical remand of Awam Raj Party leader Iqrar-ul-Hassan by two days in a case involving the alleged dissemination of anti-state content on social media.

Magistrate Gulraiz Memon dismissed the defence’s application seeking Hassan’s discharge. The defence argued that the content was discussed nationwide and did not constitute an offence under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). However, the magistrate observed that widespread discussion did not justify the dissemination of hate speech.

As per the court record, prior approval was obtained from a Lahore court before arresting Hassan.

Investigating Officer Rana Muhammad Faisal, who sought a 10-day remand extension, said investigators were examining digital devices containing more than 1,145 GB of data linked to Hassan’s online activities.

The agency said the analysis was necessary to trace the original sources of the disputed content, which allegedly aimed to incite public unrest and create disaffection among state institutions. The magistrate observed that it was premature to assess the sufficiency or admissibility of the digital evidence at this stage.

The court also rejected the defence’s objections to Hassan’s arrest and transfer from Lahore to Karachi, observing that the NCCIA, as a federal agency, had nationwide jurisdiction and did not require permission from provincial home departments for such actions.

Hassan told the court that he had not been mistreated in custody and had access to his family and legal counsel. The court scheduled the next hearing for October 19 and directed the investigating officer to submit a progress report.