Journalist Bilal Ghauri arrested by NCCIA over alleged false posts on NACTA appointment

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested journalist Muhammad Bilal Ghauri over allegations

ISLAMABAD: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested journalist Muhammad Bilal Ghauri over allegations of disseminating false and misleading information concerning the appointment of the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).

According to the first information report (FIR) registered by the NCCIA Cyber Crime Reporting Centre (CCRC), Islamabad, the case was formally registered as FIR No. 143/2026 at 12:10am on September 6, 2026.

The complaint was filed by Muhammad Umair Warsi, a Technical Assistant at the NCCIA Cyber Crime Reporting Centre in Islamabad. The case has been registered under Sections 20 and 26-A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, as amended in 2025.

Allegations Against Journalist

According to the FIR, the case followed Enquiry No. 2532/2026, during which investigators allegedly found that Bilal Ghauri had uploaded and circulated content concerning the appointment of the National Coordinator of NACTA through his social media platforms.

The FIR states that the alleged content was posted on September 5, 2026. Investigators specifically referred to a post published on X, formerly known as Twitter, at around 1:22am, as well as a 16-minute and six-second video uploaded to YouTube on the same day.

The content allegedly discussed the process and circumstances surrounding the appointment of the NACTA National Coordinator. According to the FIR, the material contained various assertions and allegations that were publicly shared through digital information systems.

NCCIA’s Position

The cybercrime agency alleged that the accused had intentionally created, uploaded, transmitted and disseminated what investigators described as a false narrative through social media platforms.

The FIR further claims that the information was misleading and lacked a lawful, factual or independently verifiable basis. Investigators alleged that such content had the potential to create public disorder, contribute to unrest or affect public confidence in state institutions and public office holders.

The allegations contained in the FIR remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.

Legal Proceedings Initiated

The FIR states that the material available on YouTube and X prima facie disclosed cognizable offences under the relevant provisions of PECA.

According to the document, approval from the competent authority was obtained before the case was formally registered against Bilal Ghauri.

NCCIA Sub-Inspector Fazal Masood of the Cyber Crime Reporting Centre, Islamabad, has been appointed as the investigating officer. The FIR states that there was no delay in initiating the investigation and that the matter would be probed according to law.

Copies of the FIR have also been forwarded to the relevant authorities and concerned quarters for further action.

The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of online content concerning government institutions and public officials. Authorities have increasingly emphasized the need to verify information circulated through social media and other digital platforms.

The case is likely to attract further attention because it involves a journalist and concerns online reporting and commentary about a senior appointment within a key national security-related institution.

Further legal action against the accused will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation and the evidence presented before the relevant authorities and courts.