Lahore High Court Allows NCCIA Inquiry Against Mohammad Rizwan

The Lahore High Court has rejected cricketer Mohammad Rizwan's challenge to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency's (NCCIA) probe into claims of online betting and gambling. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum issued the written ruling on Rizwan's petition. The government lawyer argued the case falls under Section 14 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which addresses obtaining unlawful financial gains.

The court ruled that the relevant agency should be permitted to proceed with the investigation. It emphasized that the ICC's Anti-Corruption Code does not forbid state authorities from acting under existing criminal or regulatory statutes. The decision affirmed the NCCIA inquiry's proper jurisdiction and lack of bad faith motives.

It clarified that a summons is not an admission of criminal wrongdoing. The court ordered Rizwan to participate in the inquiry and work with the NCCIA, but cautioned against harassment. The agency must conduct the probe strictly in line with the law. Rizwan can contest the final outcome in court and request the return of any seized items.