IHC restrains NCCIA from harassing journalist Asad Toor during inquiry

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) intervened on Thursday to prevent the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) from harassing journalist Asad Toor during its ongoing inquiry. Earlier in July, the agency had served Toor a notice demanding his presence at their Cybercrime Reporting Centre in Islamabad to address allegations of spreading false or fake information.

Toor sought to challenge the summons in court, contending that the NCCIA had not adhered to legal procedures and had not specified the alleged offenses. Subsequently, the court ordered the agency to furnish Toor with details of the accusations against him. Toor's legal counsel, Advocate Attaullah Kundi, testified that Toor was prepared to participate in the inquiry but was apprehensive about potential arrest.

He emphasized that Toor was facing accusations related to a news report concerning the medical condition of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder. The court listened to the arguments and subsequently directed that Toor should not be subjected to harassment during the inquiry. Additionally, the court summoned the investigating officer in his personal capacity and adjourned further proceedings.

Earlier this month, the National Press Club (NPC) had denounced the NCCIA's notice to Toor, expressing concern over the state of press freedom in the country. The NPC leadership emphasized that press freedom is a constitutional right and that subjecting journalists to legal pressure and retaliation for exercising their professional duties or expressing critical opinions is a troubling sign for any democratic society.

In February 2024, Toor was arrested under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act for allegedly orchestrating a malicious campaign against state institutions, a decision that drew criticism from the media community. Toor was subsequently released in March.