Journalist Maqbool Jaffar, Social Media Activist Arrested in Quetta Under PECA Act

QUETTA: Authorities in Balochistan have arrested journalist and social media activist Maqbool Jaffar along with Dr. Sana after cases were registered against them under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), raising concerns among journalist and civil society circles.
According to a spokesperson for the National Cyber Crime Agency, the two individuals were taken into custody over allegations of spreading defamatory and propaganda content on social media against senior government officials, citizens, and state institutions.
The spokesperson said an inquiry had been conducted to remove the alleged unlawful content and prevent further violations. Despite legal notices and what authorities described as “sufficient opportunity,” the accused allegedly continued their online activities.
Both suspects were presented before a judicial magistrate, who granted a two-day physical remand to the cybercrime authorities for further investigation.
The case has been registered under Sections 20 and 26 of the PECA law.
Meanwhile, the arrest of journalist Maqbool Jaffar has sparked concern among local journalist organizations and social circles. According to sources, he was detained late at night from Kabir Building located on Jinnah Road in Quetta.