Karachi Police Officer Arrested Over Derogatory Social Media Post Targeting President Zardari
FIR Registered Under PECA 2016
Karachi police have arrested Station Investigation Officer (SIO) Abrar Shah after he allegedly posted an obscene and derogatory comment about President Asif Ali Zardari on social media.
The offensive post, shared on April 2, 2025, prompted a formal complaint by duty officer Yaqoob from Sukkun police station. Following this, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which governs digital and cyber-related offences in Pakistan.
Evidence Submitted, Case Under Investigation
The complainant submitted screenshots of the offensive post as evidence, leading to Shah’s immediate arrest by Sukkun police. The case has since been handed over to an Investigation Officer (IO) for further legal action.
Wider Crackdown Under PECA 2025
This development comes amid a broader crackdown on digital dissent. Authorities have recently registered three more FIRs under PECA 2025 at Shahdara, Shahdara Town, and Kot Lakhpat police stations. The cases relate to alleged propaganda targeting Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and state institutions.
According to police sources, AI-generated manipulated videos were circulated online as part of a coordinated digital campaign, allegedly orchestrated by a political group to fuel an anti-state narrative and incite public unrest.
The recent arrests and FIRs indicate an intensified effort by law enforcement to monitor and respond to online content deemed defamatory or seditious, particularly involving high-profile political figures and institutions.
