The judicial magistrate on Thursday extended the physical remand of journalist Bilal Ghouri by two days after reserving and later announcing a decision on a request filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

The court directed authorities to produce him again on September 12. Bilal Ghouri was presented before the District and Sessions Court after completing a three-day physical remand. During the hearing, Judicial Magistrate Malik Aman heard arguments from both sides regarding the NCCIA’s request for a further six-day remand.

Defense counsel Imran Shafiq opposed the request, arguing that the investigation agency had already completed the required recoveries and seized all relevant devices. He questioned the need for additional remand, stating that Ghouri’s mobile phone, laptop and social media accounts were already in the agency’s possession.

During the proceedings, Bilal Ghouri told the court that all of his accounts, along with his mobile phone and laptop, were already under the control of investigators. In response, the investigating officer informed the court that access to the accounts was facing difficulties because two-factor authentication was enabled.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its verdict on the request for additional physical remand. Later, the judicial magistrate announced the decision, granting a two-day extension in Bilal Ghouri’s physical remand instead of the six days sought by the NCCIA.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)