NCCIA summons Asad Toor over ‘false information’

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has summoned journalist Asad Ali Toor for questioning

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has summoned journalist Asad Ali Toor for questioning over allegations of spreading false or misleading information online.

According to the notice issued by the agency, the state has been named as the complainant in the case. The inquiry relates to allegations of the dissemination, transmission or public display of information described as false or fake.

The proceedings have been initiated under Section 26A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, which deals with the dissemination of false and fake information.

The NCCIA has directed Toor to appear before its Cybercrime Reporting Centre in Islamabad at 11am on July 31.

The notice warned that failure to appear without a lawful reason could result in the inquiry continuing in his absence. The agency said non-compliance could also lead to action under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which concerns failure to attend when ordered by a public servant.

Toor confirmed receiving the summons through a post on X. He shared an image of the notice and accompanied it with verses by revolutionary poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

The development has also raised concerns among journalist organisations over press freedom and the treatment of journalists facing legal proceedings.

The National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad criticised the notice and expressed concern over what it described as growing pressure on the media.

The press club said freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution. It argued that journalists should not face legal pressure or retaliation simply for carrying out their professional responsibilities or expressing critical views.

The NPC called on relevant institutions to perform their duties within the framework of the law, the Constitution and fundamental rights.

It also stressed that free, responsible and safe journalism is essential for a healthy democratic system.

The press body urged authorities to withdraw the notice and ensure that journalists’ constitutional and legal rights are protected. It also warned that measures restricting press freedom could create further insecurity among members of the journalist community.

This is not the first time Toor has faced legal action under cybercrime laws. He was arrested in 2024 in a case registered under Peca over allegations of running a campaign against state institutions.

His arrest at the time prompted criticism from sections of the journalist community. He was subsequently released.