PTI Social Media Worker Arrested in Fake Video Investigation
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has taken into custody PTI social media activist Falak Javed Khan in connection with allegations of creating and distributing manipulated videos of Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari.
The arrest follows a prolonged legal dispute that began in July of last year when Minister Bokhari filed complaints against individuals she accused of doctoring and circulating her images across social media platforms.
Legal Defense Mobilizes
Falak Javed’s legal counsel announced plans to contest the detention, stating that a full defense team would appear before the Lahore District Court on Thursday. The lawyer emphasized their intention to oppose any application for physical remand and confirmed they are examining the case from multiple legal perspectives.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy stems from Minister Bokhari’s allegations that edited images and videos of her were being shared on social media platforms. She specifically named Falak Javed as responsible for manipulating and distributing this content.
Initially, Bokhari approached the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), requesting action against the accused parties. However, according to the minister, the FIA failed to take meaningful steps in the matter.
Constitutional Rights Violation Claims
In her legal petition, Minister Bokhari argued that the circulation of doctored content constituted defamation and violated her constitutional rights. She formally requested the court to compel the FIA to take appropriate action against the respondents and provide a compliance report on their investigation.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between political parties and the challenges of combating manipulated digital content in Pakistan’s increasingly polarized social media landscape.
