JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 08, 2022
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD—The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has booked BOL News anchor Sami Ibrahim under contentious sections of the notorious Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016 law.
According to the notice dated May 7, shared by the anchor on social media, FIA has summoned him under Section 20, which criminalized defamation, declaring that his video “spread false and frivolous allegations on senior government functionaries.”
“You have built a narrative with an ill-intent to cause intimidation, fear, panic, insecurity and unrest between government officials/personnel of armed forces and general public,” it read.
Section 20 of the law increased the prison term for social media users convicted of disseminating “fake news” from two to five years. It also made it mandatory for courts to decide such cases within six months.
However, Ibraham took to Twitter, saying, “My lawyer Raja Aamir Abbas has informed the agency that I’m out of the country and will take necessary legal action after May 14.”
Ibraham has been critical of the government and the military establishment, having raised his voice against the “imposition” of the government of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) component parties on Pakistan.
In a recent video, he had criticized the top military brass for its purported meddling in civilian affairs and aiding the process of the no-confidence vote against ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Journalist unions condemned the summon, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ). They wondered how the agency could invoke a section struck down by the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
On April 9, the high court declared the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance unconstitutional and scrapped Section 20 of the original law introduced by the PML-N government in 2016.
Before Ibraham’s case, FIA also filed a petition in the Supreme Court to challenge the IHC order, which declared the amended PECA Section 20 as ‘unconstitutional. ‘ However, Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, in a prompt response, announced withdrawing the petition filed by FIA.
Photo: Twitter (@samiabrahim)
From JournalismPakistan.com archives:
Sami Ibrahim appointed president and managing director of BOL News
Court declares PECA 'unconstitutional'
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.