Anti-State Activities: FIA Initiates Inquiry Against Journalist Sami Ibrahim

Web Desk — The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated an inquiry against Bol anchorperson Sami Ibrahim for allegedly transmitting “anti-state” videos and statements on various social media platforms.

The FIA issued a press release on Sunday that accused Ibrahim of being “involved in spreading fake news regarding state institutions”.

FIA press release maintained that the Bol News anchor has made imputations that are glaring attempts to incite armed forces personnel to mutiny.

“He has made imputations which are glaring attempts to incite armed forces personnel to mutiny. He has attempted to create chaos in Pakistan through media while staying abroad,” it added.

Ibrahim is a TV anchor and has interviewed a number of high-profile figures, including former prime minister Imran Khan.

The FIA said he would have an opportunity to defend himself in the inquiry which would be closed if he ably defended himself. Otherwise, the press release said, if the offense was made out then a case would be registered against him and he would be arrested and prosecuted in court.

Meanwhile, Sami Ibrahim also reacted to the development. Taking it to Twitter, he said “My counsel Raja Aamir Abbas has informed FIA that I’m out of the country and will take necessary legal action after May 14.”

Sami Ibrahim was booked under various sections of the notorious Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016 law which was widely condemned by journalists bodies and human rights organizations.

Last month, the Islamabad High Court declared the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance, 2022 (PECA) ‘unconstitutional’ and directed officials to probe the abuse of the law and submit a report in this regard within 30 days.

Meanwhile, new Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced that the Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) was being disbanded in whatever shape or form it was working.