Court says petitioner should receive details before responding to cybercrime inquiry
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to provide journalist and vlogger Asad Toor with details of the allegations against him in connection with a cybercrime inquiry.
The directive came after Toor challenged a summons issued by the NCCIA, arguing that the agency had failed to disclose the nature of the allegations before requiring him to appear for questioning.
The NCCIA issued the notice on Wednesday, stating that it was investigating the alleged dissemination, transmission or public exhibition of false information. The agency instructed Toor to appear before its Cybercrime Reporting Centre in Islamabad on July 31.
During the hearing, Justice Mohammad Azam Khan asked Toor’s counsel why his client could not appear before the agency. Advocate Attaullah Kundi responded that the defence could not be prepared because the agency had not shared the specific allegations or supporting material.
Court disposes of petition with directions
Kundi requested that the NCCIA provide all relevant documents and details before requiring Toor to respond. Justice Azam Khan observed that the petition would be disposed of with directions for the agency to supply the requested information.
The court subsequently instructed the NCCIA to furnish Toor with the details of the allegations, allowing him to understand the basis of the inquiry before responding.
Press club voices concern over notice
Meanwhile, the National Press Club (NPC) criticised the notice issued to Toor, expressing concern over press freedom and the treatment of journalists.
The NPC said freedom of expression is protected under Pakistan’s Constitution and argued that legal action against journalists for carrying out their professional responsibilities or expressing critical opinions could undermine democratic values. It urged state institutions to act in accordance with the law, the Constitution and fundamental human rights while calling for the notice to be withdrawn.
Toor was previously arrested in February 2024 under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act over allegations of running a malicious campaign against state institutions. His arrest drew criticism from media organisations, and he was released the following month.
