Journalist Asad Ali Toor, detained in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, faces a judicial remand following an investigation into alleged cybercrime activities. After 11 days in the custody of Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), a court ordered Toor’s detention for 14 days starting March 8. The move comes after FIA officials raided his Islamabad residence three days earlier, confiscating his mobile phone and internet device, as reported by his lawyer, Imaan Mazari-Hazir.

Toor’s arrest on February 26 followed his interrogation earlier that day regarding an alleged anti-judiciary campaign. The FIR accuses him of “anti-state” activities, including creating a “malicious and explicit campaign” against government officials and institutions through his social media platforms, violating the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA).

Despite a Supreme Court ruling finding the FIR against Toor lacking in details, his bail hearing faced delays. The Islamabad High Court intervened, ordering the bail application to be heard promptly. The ongoing detention and investigation of Toor have drawn criticism from press freedom advocates, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Toor is accused of violating multiple sections of PECA, including cyberterrorism and cyberstalking. His hunger strike from February 28 to March 3 aimed to protest his detention. Despite a court order granting his lawyers access to him in Adiala jail, authorities denied it citing security concerns. During his detention, Toor was allegedly subjected to interrogation pressure and deprived of sleep.

Toor’s critical reporting on Pakistan’s judiciary, particularly Chief Justice of Pakistan, and military establishment before his arrest raises concerns about press freedom in the country. The case underscores the challenges journalists face in Pakistan, where laws ostensibly meant to curb cybercrime are sometimes used to target journalistic activities.