PTI’s Raoof Hasan Granted Two-Day Physical Remand in Anti-State Propaganda Case

District and sessions court in Islamabad has granted a two-day physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Information Secretary Raoof Hasan to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). This decision comes amid allegations that Hasan was involved in disseminating anti-state propaganda through the party’s digital media cell.

The FIA prosecutor, who presented Hasan before the court, argued for the remand to facilitate the recovery of devices allegedly used in the propaganda activities. Hasan was taken into custody from PTI’s Central Secretariat the previous day, based on claims that the digital media cell was operating as a hub for international disinformation against Pakistan.

Despite initial reports suggesting that PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan was also arrested, it has been clarified that only Hasan was detained during the raid. The PTI has strongly condemned the arrest, with Chairman Gohar Khan, accompanied by National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and former NA Speaker Asad Qaiser, vowing to mobilize all resources for Hasan’s release.

The case has drawn significant attention, particularly after an earlier incident in May where Hasan was attacked by alleged transgender individuals in Islamabad. CCTV footage of the attack had circulated widely, further adding to the controversy surrounding Hasan. During the court hearing, the FIA prosecutor requested a 10-day physical remand, citing the need for thorough investigation. However, Hasan’s defense lawyer, Latif Khosa, opposed the request, questioning the necessity of such a lengthy remand and highlighting the lack of concrete evidence against Hasan.

The court ultimately granted Hasan and two other PTI workers a two-day physical remand, while two female PTI workers were sent to jail on a 14-day judicial remand. The FIR filed by the FIA includes charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, covering glorification of offenses, cyber-terrorism, and hate speech. The agency alleges that Hasan and other suspects, including PTI members and affiliates, have been involved in activities aimed at undermining Pakistan’s integrity and disrupting law and order.