A Canadian doctoral researcher, Hamza Ahmad Khan, who went missing last week, is in custody of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), it has emerged.

 

As per the details, Khan, deemed missing earlier, was on Monday presented before a magistrate who sent him to jail on a 14-day judicial remand.

 

On Sunday, police had registered a case against Khan’s alleged abduction on a complaint filed by a friend. According to the FIR [First Information Report], Khan “disappeared” in the early hours of February 19 after leaving his residence in DHA Phase 10.

 

Amid widespread calls for his recovery, authorities disclosed that he was in NCCIA custody for allegedly posting anti-state content on social media platforms X and Instagram.

 

An FIR by the NCCIA stated that accounts linked to Khan were allegedly spreading misinformation and disinformation targeting state institutions. The report cited sections 20 (offences against the dignity of a natural person), 24 (cyber stalking) and 26A (spoofing) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

 

“An initial analysis indicates that the content in question is being published intentionally and is publicly accessible. The nature of these posts is inflammatory and appears designed to incite public unrest, spread animosity and undermine social order,” the FIR said.

 

During the inquiry, NCCIA said it verified that Khan had been posting material against state functionaries and institutions with the intent to damage their reputations. 

 

The FIR added that the posts were aimed at defaming political and constitutional leadership, inciting hatred and challenging the integrity of the state.

 

“Such mischievous statements/posts render dire consequences nationally and internationally for the state of Pakistan,” the NCCIA said.