The District and Sessions Courts on Saturday issued an arrest warrant for YouTuber and journalist Imran Riaz Khan in a case linked to an alleged online campaign against Judge Humayun Dilawar.
Court officials confirmed that Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah issued the warrant following a request from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The agency had approached the court after completing a preliminary inquiry into the matter, seeking legal authorization to proceed with action against the journalist.
The case stems from accusations that Imran Riaz Khan, along with others, organized and promoted a social media campaign targeting Judge Humayun Dilawar.
The judge has been the subject of heated debate and criticism online in recent months, with several campaigns circulating across multiple platforms. Authorities argue that such activities cross legal boundaries and constitute an orchestrated attempt to malign the judiciary.
Imran Riaz Khan, a prominent Pakistani journalist and YouTuber with a significant online following, has faced legal challenges previously over his outspoken criticism of political and judicial figures.
His supporters view the actions against him as politically motivated, claiming that he is being targeted for exercising freedom of speech. However, government officials and the NCCIA maintain that the case is strictly about upholding cybercrime laws and protecting the dignity of judicial institutions.
The arrest warrant has sparked debate across media circles, with journalists’ associations expressing concern about its implications for press freedom.
Legal experts note that while criticism of judges is permitted within certain limits, running organized campaigns that may undermine judicial credibility can lead to criminal liability under Pakistan’s cybercrime laws.
As of now, Imran Riaz Khan has not issued an official response regarding the warrant. The NCCIA is expected to move forward with legal proceedings in the coming days, marking the latest development in a growing clash between the judiciary and outspoken voices on social media.
