KARACHI, Pakistan: A Karachi court has dismissed the post-arrest bail plea of television presenter and Awam Raj Tehreek leader Iqrar ul Hassan in a cybercrime case registered by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

The case, registered as FIR No. 101/2026 under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), involves allegations that Hassan shared objectionable content on social media. The court’s decision, reported on Thursday, October 22, 2026, means he will remain in judicial custody while the legal proceedings continue.

Following the ruling, Hassan’s lawyer indicated that the defence intends to challenge the decision before the Sindh High Court after obtaining and reviewing the magistrate’s written order.

The case has attracted attention because of Hassan’s public profile and the allegations concerning his online statements. However, the accusations remain unproven, and the bail decision does not constitute a final judgment on the case.

The Judicial Magistrate-East rejected the bail application during the latest hearing. The detailed reasons for the decision were not available in the initial reports, leaving the defence to await the written order before determining its next legal steps.

The ruling follows an earlier hearing on October 19, when the court declined the NCCIA’s request to extend Hassan’s physical remand. Instead, the magistrate directed that he be transferred to judicial custody and instructed the investigation agency to submit its report within the prescribed timeframe.

During the investigation, officials sought additional time to examine digital evidence allegedly recovered from Hassan’s electronic devices. Investigators maintained that further analysis of the material and relevant online records was necessary to advance the case.

The court did not approve the request for further physical custody. It subsequently considered the bail application while the investigation continued.

According to reports about the case, the NCCIA alleges that Hassan published or circulated material on social media that was false, defamatory or harmful to state institutions. Investigators have reportedly examined content associated with platforms such as X, Facebook and Instagram.

The case reportedly invokes several provisions of PECA relating to online offences. These include allegations concerning cyberterrorism, cyberstalking, the dissemination of false information and offences against personal dignity.

The exact application of these provisions will depend on the charges and evidence presented before the court. The allegations have not been established through a completed criminal trial.

Hassan’s defence has disputed the accusations and maintained that his online commentary concerned political developments and matters of public interest. The prosecution and defence will have the opportunity to present their respective positions through the judicial process.

The rejection of bail means that Hassan has not been granted release at this stage. It does not establish that he committed the alleged offences.

His lawyer plans to examine the magistrate’s detailed order before approaching the Sindh High Court. If a petition is filed, the higher court will consider the legal arguments and relevant circumstances presented by the parties.

The case has also renewed discussion about the use of Pakistan’s cybercrime laws in matters involving political commentary and online expression.

PECA establishes a legal framework for addressing specified offences committed through electronic communication. However, cases involving public statements can raise questions about the distinction between unlawful online activity and criticism concerning political or public affairs.

The relevant courts will need to assess the applicable legal provisions, the evidence collected by investigators and the arguments advanced by both sides.

For now, Hassan remains in judicial custody as the NCCIA investigation and related proceedings continue. The next significant development is expected to depend on the defence’s decision following receipt of the written bail order and any subsequent proceedings before the Sindh High Court.

The allegations against Hassan remain subject to judicial determination, and he must not be treated as guilty solely because his bail application has been rejected.

In other news read more about: Iqrar-ul-Hassan Back in Karachi Court as Four-Day NCCIA Remand Ends

Disclaimer: The case remains under legal consideration. Allegations reported by investigators have not been established by a final court judgment.