On January 20, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) registered a First Information Report (FIR) and arrested an individual accused of running a defamatory and intimidating social media campaign against senior journalist Rauf Klasra. The case relates to the alleged posting of fabricated and abusive content on Facebook, with authorities confirming that further investigation is under way.

According to NCCIA sources, the accused, identified in the FIR as Syed Zain Ali, has been taken into custody. The FIR was lodged with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency in Islamabad following a complaint submitted by the journalist through the NCCIA Cyber Crime Reporting Centre.

The FIR states that the accused used a Facebook account to publish false, malicious, abusive and threatening material aimed at harming the complainant’s reputation, dignity and professional standing. It further records that the content was posted with the intention of defamation and intimidation.

Details of the inquiry show that on January 14, the accused allegedly published an offensive and provocative post using a Facebook account titled “Syed Zain Ali Kazmi”. The post reportedly contained inappropriate language and false allegations directed at the complainant.

Following the inquiry, identified as RE-157/2026, and the emergence of supporting evidence, approval was obtained from the competent authority to register the case. Consequently, FIR No. 14/2026 was registered at the NCCIA Police Station in Islamabad on January 16. The case was filed under Sections 20, 24 and 26-A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, along with Section 294 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

NCCIA officials stated that the investigation is ongoing. They added that if evidence emerges indicating the involvement of any additional individuals, their roles will also be examined during the course of the investigation.