Anti-state propaganda case: Islamabad court grants bail to PTI’s Raoof Hasan

A local court in Islamabad has granted bail to PTI’s Central Secretary of Information, Raoof Hasan, and others in a case filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), Express News reported.

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Duty Magistrate Abbas Shah made the ruling, setting each accused’s bail at Rs50,000.

Ali Bukhari, Hasan’s defence attorney, appeared in court with FIA prosecutor Amir Sheikh and the investigating officer. After hearing the arguments, the judge deferred its ruling, eventually granted bail.

The prosecution against Raoof Hasan and others developed as a result of revelations by Ahmad Waqas Janjua, the PTI’s International Media Coordinator.

The allegations claimed that the accused was active in disseminating anti-state narratives on social media, including running a separate social media cell for the PTI.

However, Bukhari contended that the accused, who comprised diverse staff such as clerks and receptionists, had no meaningful interaction with Hasan.

He said that the claims were unfounded and politically motivated.

under PECA’s Sections 9, 10, and 11.

He cited Justice Babar Sattar’s order, arguing that the accused’s continued arrest would be illegal.

Bukhari also mentioned past examples in which bail was granted, such as Azam Swati, who obtained bail while facing identical allegations.

However, FIA Prosecutor Amir Sheikh argued that the defendants were part of a network of over 100 WhatsApp groups that were used to instigate violence.

He supplied tweet transcripts and said that Hasan had a crucial role in disseminating these claims, including interactions with Indian authorities.

Despite the prosecution’s assertions, the court granted bail to Raoof Hasan and others, and the matter is currently awaiting further procedures.

under PECA’s Sections 9, 10, and 11.

He cited Justice Babar Sattar’s order, arguing that the accused’s continued arrest would be illegal.

Bukhari also mentioned past examples in which bail was granted, such as Azam Swati, who obtained bail while facing identical allegations.

However, FIA Prosecutor Amir Sheikh argued that the defendants were part of a network of over 100 WhatsApp groups that were used to instigate violence.

He supplied tweet transcripts and said that Hasan had a crucial role in disseminating these claims, including interactions with Indian authorities.

Despite the prosecution’s assertions, the court granted bail to Raoof Hasan and others, and the matter is currently awaiting further procedures.