Karachi police have arrested one of their own officers, Station Investigation Officer (SIO) Abrar Shah, after he allegedly posted an obscene comment about President Asif Ali Zardari on social media. The incident occurred on April 2, 2025, when Shah shared derogatory remarks regarding the ailing president, prompting a complaint from duty officer Yaqoob of the Sukkun police station. The First Information Report (FIR) was registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA), which addresses cybercrimes. The complainant provided screenshots of the offensive post as evidence, leading to Shah’s arrest. The case has been transferred to the Investigation Officer (IO) for further action.
This incident follows recent cases filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025 for spreading propaganda against Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and state institutions on social media. According to police, the cases were registered at Shahdara, Shahdara Town, and Kot Lakhpat police stations, involving allegations that artificial intelligence (AI) was used to create manipulated videos targeting the Punjab CM. The FIRs claim these videos were part of a coordinated effort by a political group to promote an anti-state narrative and incite unrest online. No arrests have been made in these cases so far.
The FIR against SIO Abrar Shah invokes PECA Section 504 PPC 21, with the duty officer stating that the post was deeply hurtful to him and other citizens. The officer allegedly used offensive language in a Facebook post indirectly targeting a high-ranking official.
Also read: Mansehra police arrest Jamat-e-Islami leader under PECA
