Judicial Magistrate Malik Aman granted post-arrest bail to journalist Bilal Ghauri in a case over allegations of disseminating false information through digital platforms. The case was registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
During the hearing, Ghauri’s counsel, Advocate Imran Shafiq, argued that the allegations lacked sufficient evidence and that the case had been initiated with mala fide intent. He said the prosecution had not identified specific content that could conclusively be considered false or fabricated.
The court approved his bail against surety bonds of Rs 100,000, directing that he be released unless arrested in another case.
The case involves Sections 20 and 26-A of PECA, relating to offences concerning the dignity and privacy of individuals and the dissemination of information alleged to cause fear or panic.
Ghauri was initially taken into custody in a case under PECA. A judicial magistrate in Islamabad had granted the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) three-day physical remand of Ghauri, which was then extended for two days.
