KARACHI: Journalist Muhammad Aslam Shah remained behind bars for more than a week after the hearing on his bail application was deferred on Monday due to the absence of the prosecutor representing the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), who failed to appear before the court in a case pertaining to alleged defamation on social media.

Mr Shah had moved an application through his counsel, Nasir Ahmed, before the Judicial Magistrate (South), seeking post-arrest bail in a case registered against him under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca).

On Monday, the magistrate took up the plea but an NCCIA official appeared and informed the court that the investigating officer was on leave and that the case file was not available with the prosecution. He requested that the matter be adjourned to Jan 14.

In its order, the court allowed the request, deferred the hearing, and noted that the NCCIA assured the prosecutor would appear at the next hearing.

Magistrate puts off hearing on bail plea

In the application, counsel Ahmed submitted that the case against Mr Shah had been registered with malafide intent, alleging that he had been implicated solely to “take revenge” and to save the complainant’s own skin.

He argued that the applicant had 30 years of experience in journalism and had worked with recognised print and wire media organisations.

The counsel further submitted that Mr Shah was protected under Section 7 of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021.

He contended that the offence for which the applicant had been booked was neither punishable with death nor with imprisonment for life or for 10 years, and therefore did not fall within the ambit of the prohibitory clause.

He also argued that Mr Shah had not been convicted in any case, would not tamper with prosecution witnesses, and was not likely to abscond if granted bail.

The case was registered on Dec 29, 2025 on the complaint of Tabish Raza Husnain, said to be an official of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), under Sections 20 (offences against the dignity of a natural person) and Section 24 (cyberstalking) of Peca.

In the FIR, the complainant had alleged that Mr Shah was doing “defamation propaganda” against him and his senior, Colonel Anjum, on social media groups.

He also alleged that he had used abusive language, which caused him significant distress and damage to his reputation.

The NCCIA said that the complainant had submitted screenshots of the alleged content.

It claimed that during the inquiry, the agency issued multiple notices to the accused, “directing him to appear before it to record his statement and clarify his position”.

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2026