Journalist Waheed Murad granted bail: Islamabad Court grants release in Cybercrime Case

An Islamabad court granted journalist Waheed Murad bail on Friday against a surety bond of Rs50,000. The journalist had been arrested under Pakistan’s cybercrime laws for allegedly posting “intimidating content” online.

Murad’s family had earlier filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for his recovery, claiming he was forcibly taken from his home in Islamabad by unidentified individuals. The petition, submitted by his mother-in-law Abida Nawaz through lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, demanded his immediate release.

After completing a two-day physical remand, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) produced Murad before a district court. Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah presided over the hearing, where the FIA was questioned about evidence.

Murad’s lawyers argued that his social media posts included statements by Akhtar Mengal. The FIA’s investigation officer confirmed the posts discussed the Baloch genocide. The court ultimately approved Waheed Murad’s bail.

Petition Details
Murad’s mother, Abida, claimed he was forcibly disappeared from his G-8 residence in Islamabad by unidentified officials. She stated she witnessed the incident and was manhandled during the abduction.

The petition named the state, defence ministry, Islamabad police chief, and local SHO as respondents, urging the IHC to locate Murad and investigate those responsible for his detention.

This case highlights growing concerns over enforced disappearances and freedom of expression in Pakistan.