PTI leader Raoof Hasan’s remand was extended by three days on Thursday. Meanwhile, the court granted post-arrest bail to two women from the PTI media cell. Hassan was produced before the Islamabad District and Sessions Court today, following the completion of his two-day physical remand. The FIA requested further physical remand for Hasan and other suspects involved in the case. Hasan, along with 11 other suspects, is facing charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). He was arrested by Islamabad Police on July 22 during a raid on the PTI secretariat. Subsequently, on July 23, the District and Sessions Court granted a two-day physical remand to the FIA. During today’s hearing, the FIA argued for an extension of the remand, stating that they are still investigating social media accounts and Gmail logins related to the case.

The FIA claimed that individuals involved in the case were operating WhatsApp groups with members from abroad, and that fake accounts were found on the suspects’ mobile phones. They alleged that Hasan, who heads the PTI media wing, was directing the campaign against the judiciary and administration. The FIA prosecutor stated that under the PECA, they can request a 30-day remand in such cases. Separately, the District and Sessions Court granted post-arrest bail to two women from the PTI media cell, identified as Farhat and Iqra, who were also facing charges under the PECA. During the hearing, the FIA prosecutor argued that these women were employed by the media cell and that evidence supporting the charges against them exists. He claimed that they were hired for a specific purpose. The court, however, granted bail to the two women on a surety bond of Rs. 50,000 each.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan