ISLAMABAD: The authorities are reviewing a series of social media posts attributed to lawyer and political activist Imaan Mazari after investigators identified multiple tweets as potentially violating provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), as per the official document issued by the court.
The review centers on posts made between 2021 and 2025 on Mazari’s X account, as well as related public statements shared online. In this case, the ffficials allege that the content includes remarks that could fall under PECA sections dealing with glorification of an offence, cyber terrorism, hate speech, and the dissemination of false or misleading information.
In this sense, one tweet dated July 25, 2025, is described by investigators as an example of alleged glorification of terrorism. The authorities claim the post appeared to link state actions with an individual’s decision to join the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which they argue could be interpreted as rationalizing or legitimizing the activities of a proscribed organization.
So far, other posts under review include comments made in May and April 2025, where Mazari allegedly criticized state actions against proscribed groups and individuals. The investigators contend that the language used in those posts could be viewed as portraying the state as a “terrorist entity” and as encouraging hostility toward state institutions, potentially constituting cyber terrorism and the spread of false news under PECA.
Furthermore, the documentation also references earlier tweets and videos from 2021 to 2024. These include statements accusing the state of selective counterterrorism policies, enforced disappearances, and preferential treatment toward banned outfits. Officials maintain that such claims, if unverified, risk undermining public trust in security institutions and could inflame social or ethnic tensions.
One video clip from August 2023, shared by a third party but featuring Mazari at a political gathering, is cited as containing slogans that authorities classify as hate speech and incitement against state institutions. Investigators argue that the rhetoric aligns with narratives promoted by extremist or separatist groups.
At this stage, officials focus on that the review is based on documentary assessment of publicly available content. No final legal determination has been announced, and any potential proceedings would follow due process under Pakistani law. Mazari has not publicly responded to the specific allegations detailed in the documents.
The development comes amid increased scrutiny of online speech in Pakistan, as authorities reiterate their position that digital platforms must not be used to promote violence, terrorism, or misinformation, while legal experts continue to stress the importance of balancing security concerns with constitutional rights to free expression.
