Web Desk: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has registered a criminal case following a complaint by Azaad Digital Group CEO Muhammad Musawwir Abbasi over an alleged coordinated social media campaign involving threats, harassment and defamatory content targeting him and his media organisation.
According to details provided from First Information Report (FIR) No. 204/2026, registered by NCCIA Islamabad, five individuals or social media accounts have been identified in connection with the alleged campaign.
The complaint accuses those involved of circulating threatening, misleading and offensive material intended to damage the complainant’s personal reputation and professional standing.
The FIR identifies Naveed Ahmed Abbasi, Inam-ul-Haq, Waleed Ahmed Abbasi and Kamran Abbasi, along with an unidentified Facebook account, in connection with the alleged online activities.
According to the complaint, Facebook pages and WhatsApp groups were used to circulate derogatory remarks, inflammatory statements and material allegedly intended to discredit the Azaad Digital chief.
The FIR further alleges that one of the individuals published offensive comments alongside the complainant’s photograph.
NCCIA registered the case following a preliminary inquiry into the complaint, according to the information provided.
The FIR cites Sections 20, 24 and 26A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, alongside Sections 506 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The cited provisions address offences involving electronic communications, online harassment and intimidation, as well as alleged criminal threats and abetment.
The case highlights concerns surrounding the use of social media platforms to allegedly intimidate journalists and damage the reputation of media organisations.
While freedom of expression protects legitimate criticism and political disagreement, allegations involving criminal intimidation and unlawful online harassment require examination under applicable law.
The NCCIA investigation has yet to establish the full circumstances of the alleged campaign, the extent of any coordination or the identities of any additional participants.
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