On April 27, a judicial magistrate approved the post-arrest bail for Islamabad-based journalist Fakharur Rehman, who the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested days earlier in a case under Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca). His arrest was linked to accusations of disseminating “false and misleading information against state institutions” via the social media platform X.

Rehman’s bail was set following a hearing, where his legal representative, Barrister Ahad Khokhar, argued that the journalist, being a senior citizen requiring regular medication, had not shared any personal opinion but had just shared a statement attributed to a religious figure.

Khokhar highlighted that the NCCIA had already recovered Rehman’s mobile phone and noted that the FIR did not specify his client’s exact role in the alleged crimes, calling the case “baseless”.

The prosecution, however, contended that journalism should be exercised with “great responsibility,” opposing the bail plea.

After deliberation, the court approved the post-arrest bail against Rs50,000 in surety bonds.