A Canadian national pursuing doctoral research who went missing last week has been taken into custody by National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency in Lahore over allegations of posting content deemed anti-state on social media platforms X and Instagram. The individual, identified as Hamza Ahmad Khan, was produced before a magistrate on Monday and sent to jail on a 14-day judicial remand while investigations continue.
According to a first information report filed at Defence-A police station, Hamza went missing in the early hours of February 19 after leaving his residence in DHA Phase 10. His disappearance prompted a kidnapping case on the complaint of a friend, which coincided with the NCCIA investigation into his online activities. Authorities stated that routine cyber patrols revealed accounts linked to Hamza were actively disseminating misinformation and disinformation targeting state institutions.
The FIR lodged by NCCIA cites sections 20, 24, and 26A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, covering offences against the dignity of a natural person, cyber stalking, and spoofing. The report notes that an initial analysis indicates the content in question was published intentionally and publicly accessible, with posts characterized as inflammatory and potentially inciting public unrest. According to the agency, the material posed a significant risk of reputational harm to Pakistan both domestically and internationally.
During the course of inquiry, authorities verified that Hamza uploaded content allegedly intended to defame state functionaries, constitutional and political leadership, and broader state institutions. NCCIA stated that the posts were aimed at maligning Pakistan’s leadership, inciting hatred, and undermining national integrity, with consequences potentially extending to diplomatic and public perception challenges abroad. Investigators highlighted the deliberate and strategic nature of these postings and classified them as mischievous acts with serious implications for the state.
The case underscores the expanding scope of cybercrime enforcement in Pakistan, particularly in monitoring the use of social media for disseminating content considered threatening to national cohesion. NCCIA continues to examine the extent of the alleged activity and assess associated digital evidence while maintaining coordination with other law enforcement bodies. Legal proceedings are expected to unfold alongside the ongoing cyber investigation as authorities evaluate potential impact and culpability.
This development reflects a broader focus on safeguarding digital spaces against content perceived as harmful to public order and state institutions. NCCIA maintains that adherence to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act is central to upholding legal standards and protecting both institutional and societal integrity in the rapidly evolving cyber landscape.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
