Case Update Status

The development reported on minutes mirror, Khan was granted bail by a local court in Multan after submitting surety bonds worth Rs. 100,000.

Summary of Case

On September 24, Senior Journalist and Chairperson of the National Press Club, & Correspondent of NNI News Network, Ghulam Rasool Khan, was arrested by NCCIA-Multan from his residence in Bahawalpur, and an FIR was later lodged against him, accusing him of propagating false narratives and misleading information against state institutions and security agencies of Pakistan on Facebook. According to a report published in the Daily Four Star on October 2, 2025, senior journalist Ghulam Rasool Khan, Chairman of the National Press Club Bahawalpur and Chairperson of NNI Islamabad/Bahawalpur, has been targeted by the Cyber Crime Wing (NCCIA) with a false and fabricated FIR. Speaking to the Media, Khan alleged that the agency's actions are retaliation for his reporting on corruption cases, particularly those involving land grabbers in Bahawalpur. According to Khan, he was abducted, and his mobile phone and cash were taken. An FIR was later registered against him under a fabricated act. Khan, who has been vocal against land grabbers and has exposed corruption, believes that the NCCIA's actions are an attempt to silence him and prevent him from pursuing corruption cases. Khan stated that his reporting on corruption cases, including those involving the CCD officials in Rahim Yar Khan, had led to the registration of an FIR against him. He had previously exposed the illegal promotion of a CCD officer, Shaheed Ahmed Chatta, and had filed a quo-warranto petition regarding the matter, which is pending before the court. According to Minute Mirror, speaking to the media, Khan, in handcuffs, called the case baseless, claiming he was penalized for exposing corruption and nepotism by Punjab's Anti-Corruption Establishment Director General, Sohail Zafar Chattha. Khan linked his arrest to his efforts to secure justice for an oppressed family in Rahim Yar Khan, a case being fought by his son, Advocate Mudassir Rasool Khan. The report says that the court had rejected the NCCIA's request for a 10-day physical remand of Khan and instead committed him to judicial custody. Khan's son, Mudassar Rasool Khan, a high court lawyer, has condemned the actions of the NCCIA and demanded that the false FIR against his father be dismissed. Mudassar Rasool Khan has also demanded a transparent investigation into the matter and strict punishment for the perpetrators. He has requested the court to take notice of the illegal and false injustice done to Ghulam Rasool Khan and to provide him with justice immediately. On September 24, 2025, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) registered a First Information Report (FIR) No. 238/2025 at Police Station NCCIA Circle/Sub-Circle CCRC, Multan, against Ghulam Rasool Khan. The FIR was lodged on the complaint of Iftikhar Hussain, Sub-Inspector, NCCIA, Multan, who alleged that Ghulam Rasool Khan, through his Facebook account, propagated false narratives and misleading information against state institutions and security agencies of Pakistan. The allegations against Ghulam Rasool Khan include spreading malicious content that incites the general public towards acts of violence and hatred, coercing people to commit offenses against state institutions and dignitaries, and intimidating the government and public by creating fear, panic, and insecurity. The complainant claimed that these actions were a heinous attempt to cause animosity among the pillars of the state and foment provincialism and ethnic cleavages for specific vested political interests. The FIR accused Ghulam Rasool Khan of committing offenses under Sections 11, 24, and 26(a) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (amended 2025), read with Sections 500 and 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). According to FIR, the investigation has been entrusted to Iftikhar Hussain, Sub-Inspector, NCCIA, Multan. Copies of the FIR have been sent to the Special Magistrate NCCIA Multan, Director NCCIA Headquarters Islamabad, Additional Director NCCIA Multan, Deputy Director NCCIA Multan, Director NCCIA Punjab Lahore, and Superintendent NCCIA Multan. On September 27, the Judicial Magistrate of Special Court under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, in Multan, rejected the application for a 10-day physical remand of Ghulam Rasool Khan, accused in FIR No. 238/2025. The Investigating Officer, Iftikhar Hussain, Sub-Inspector of NCCIA, had requested a 10-day physical remand for further investigation, citing the need to recover a mobile phone (OPPO A37) and gather more evidence. However, the court observed that the agency had already availed 2 days of physical custody without making significant progress, particularly in collecting evidence. The court noted that the device was under forensic analysis, which did not require the accused's presence. According to the order, the accused claimed to have filed multiple petitions against different "mafias" and alleged false maligning. Given the lack of progress in the investigation, the court turned down the request for further physical custody and instead committed the accused to judicial custody, to be produced before the court on October 11, 2025, along with a report under Section 173 Cr.PC. Murtaza Rasool Khan, son of Ghulam Rasool Khan and Vice President of the National Press Club, Bahawalpur & correspondent for NNI News Agency, spoke to the PPF about his father's arrest. He detailed that Khan had been vocal against land grabbers in Bahawalpur and had shared investigative stories exposing the corruption of CCD. Murtaza alleged that his father was arrested without a warrant, and an FIR was later lodged on the complaint of an NCCIA officer who was also the investigation officer, which he claimed was against due process. He highlighted Khan had previously exposed corruption, including a story about Shaheed Ahmed Chatta, a CCD officer in Rahim Yar Khan, who was allegedly promoted illegally from grade 17 to grade 19. Punjab's Anti-Corruption Establishment Director General, Sohail Zafar Chattha. Khan was also active and made efforts to secure justice for an oppressed family in Rahim Yar Khan, a case being fought by Advocate Mudassir Rasool Khan, Murtaza’s brother. Murtaza mentioned that they had filed a quo-warranto petition regarding Chatta's position, which was pending before the court. Additionally, mega corruption cases against CCD officials were also pending before the Anti-Corruption Establishment. Murtaza stated that this was not the first time they faced legal action and harassment from authorities due to their fair and unfiltered reporting. He implied that their exposure of corruption and wrongdoing had led to these repercussions. Murtaza shared an order of the Lahore High Court, Bahawalpur Bench, in Writ Petition No. 6370 of 2025 (Dildar Ahmad Bhatti & others vs. IGP & others), dated September 18, 2025, as evidence, highlighting that his brother, Mudassir Rasool Khan, is the advocate who litigated the matter with the support of their father Ghulam Rasool, citing one of the reasons for Rasool's arrest by the NCCIA. In the order, the court directed the SHO, CDD Police Station, Bahawalpur, to act strictly according to law and protect petitioners' fundamental rights from harassment, emphasizing public functionaries' duty to follow the law. Journalist Muhammad Amir Hashmi shared a recording of Rasool's talk with the media detailing the court argument that Ghulam Rasool Khan presented before the Special Court for Electronic Crimes in Multan on September 27. The National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) requested a 10-day physical remand, but the court rejected it and ordered Khan to be sent to judicial custody. However, instead of transferring him to Multan Central Jail, the NCCIA delayed his handover, claiming prison officials refused to accept him after sunset. According to Hashmi, Khan's son, Ghulam Murtaza Khan, alleged that the NCCIA Multan Zone office is notorious for harassment, demanding bribes for necessities like food and family visits. He claimed his father was denied timely meals and family meetings between September 25-27, with food only reaching him after "heavy payments." The NCCIA allegedly delayed court proceedings to prevent filing a bail application, keeping Khan in custody for two extra nights. Khan, during the interview, accused the Punjab Crimes Control Department (CCD) and Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment of misconduct, stating the PECA case is false and linked to a case his son, Advocate Mudassar Rasool, is fighting in court. CCD's Director General, Sohail Zafar Chattha, denied knowledge of the allegations or filing any application against Khan. A protest has erupted in journalistic and social circles against the arrest of senior journalist Ghulam Rasool Khan under the Prevention of Corruption Act. City Press Club, Bahawalpur, held a Protest against the illegal arrest of Khan and strongly condemned the action, calling the CCD a black sheep. As per the report, Khan’s son, Advocate Mudassar Rasool Khan, expressed gratitude to the legal community and stated that his father's arrest was a result of his relentless pursuit of exposing corruption and land mafia in Bahawalpur and across Punjab. According to Mudassar, his father had recovered billions of rupees worth of government land from the land mafia and had facilitated its transfer to the Punjab state. He had also exposed mega corruption cases and corrupt officers, which allegedly led to his arrest. The family claims that Ghulam Rasool Khan's "crime" was his refusal to tolerate corruption and his efforts to expose it. NTN Investigative reporter Imran Akbar from Bahawalpur, speaking to PPF, expressed deep concern over the detention of senior journalist Ghulam Rasool Khan, stating that it amounts to contempt of court and abuse of power. He emphasized that journalists represent the voice of the people, and attempts to silence them pose a threat to freedom of expression. Imran urged the immediate implementation of the court orders, calling for justice to be served to Khan. News Network International (NNI) Sub Editor Hafiz Ubaid ur Rehman informed PPF that the organization is currently investigating and searching for news stories cited by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). According to Rehman, NNI hasn't published any stories on corruption, to his knowledge. The development reported on minutes mirror, Khan, a senior journalist, was recently granted bail by a local court in Multan, Pakistan, in a case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Khan was released from Central Jail Multan after submitting surety bonds worth Rs. 100,000 City Press Club Bahawalpur, however, held a protest against the illegal arrest of Khan and strongly condemned the action, calling the CCD a black sheep. The Bahawalpur Bar Association condemned the arrest of Khan in strong terms and demanded his immediate release. According to a resolution passed on September 25, 2025, the association demanded a transparent investigation and Khan's prompt release, warning that failure to comply may lead to further action. The District Bar Association, Rahim Yar Khan, also strongly condemned the alleged illegal detention of Ghulam Rasool Khan by the NCCIA police. The association has demanded that the authorities immediately release Khan and conduct a fair and transparent inquiry into the matter. They have criticized the FIA's actions as excessive and unjustified, expressing solidarity with Advocate Mudassar Rasool and his family during this challenging time. The Punjab Bar Council denounced the alleged illegal arrest of Ghulam Rasool Khan without notice. The council stressed a transparent inquiry, Khan's immediate release, and dismissal of the FIR. Failure to comply may lead to direct action by lawyers. The statement was made by Chairman Zabihullah Nagra and Vice Chairman Muhammad Ashfaq Kahoot of the Punjab Bar Council. The High Court Bar Association, Bahawalpur, likewise deplored the alleged illegal arrest of Ghulam Rasool Khan. The association called for an immediate inquiry and Khan's release, warning of a strong reaction if their request isn't met. Imran Aziz Khan Channer, General Secretary, has called for this case to be cleared.

Category of Incident

Arrest; case registered

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions: 020222-Illegal restraint

ICCS Group:

ICCS Class:

ICCS Crime:

Reported By

Minute Mirror

Date of incident

24

Month

September

Year

2025

Name of affected person

Ghulam Rasool Khan

Other affected persons

N/A

Name of affected organization

NNI News

Other affected organizations

National Press Club Bahawalpur

Action by

NCCIA

City

Bahawalpur

Province

Punjab

Designation

Correspondent

Professional category

Journalist

Age of victim

N/K

Marital Status

Compensation Details

Amount of compensation announced by government: N/A

Date of compensation announcement by government: N/A

Date of compensation paid by government: N/A

Amount of compensation announced by others: N/A

Date of compensation announced by others: N/A

Date compensation paid by others: N/A

FIR Details

Was FIR registered ?: Yes

Date of FIR:

FIR Details: FIR No. 238/2025 lodged on the complaint of Iftikhar Hussain, Sub-Inspector, NCCIA, at Police Station NCCIA Circle/Sub-Circle CCRC, Multan, against Ghulam Rasool Khan who alleged that Ghulam Rasool Khan, through his Facebook account, propagated false narratives and misleading information against state institutions and security agencies of Pakistan. The allegations against Ghulam Rasool Khan include spreading malicious content that incites the general public towards acts of violence and hatred, coercing people to commit offenses against state institutions and dignitaries, and intimidating the government and public by creating fear, panic, and insecurity. The complainant claimed that these actions were a heinous attempt to cause animosity among the pillars of the state and foment provincialism and ethnic cleavages for specific vested political interests. The FIR accused Ghulam Rasool Khan of committing offenses under Sections 11, 24, and 26(a) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (amended 2025), read with Sections 500 and 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

Police station of FIR: Police Station NCCIA Circle/Sub-Circle CCRC, Multan

Name of complainant: Iftikhar Hussain, Sub Inspector, NCCIA

Name of accused in FIR: Ghulam Rasool Khan

Court Details

Was case investigated ?: Under probe

Court where case was presented: Judicial Magistrate of Special Court under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act

Name of prosecuting lawyer: N/A

Date of first court hearing: 27/09/2025

Date of last court hearing: 05/10/2025

Status of court case: Bail granted

Journalist Union Status

PFUJ

No version was recorded

APNS

No version was recorded

CPNE

The High Court Bar Association, Bahawalpur, likewise deplored the alleged illegal arrest of Ghulam Rasool Khan. The association called for an immediate inquiry and Khan's release, warning of a strong reaction if their request isn't met. Imran Aziz Khan Channer, General Secretary, has called for this case to be cleared.

PBA

No version was recorded

Media Source Status

Media reports:

Condemn Status

Colleague of victim

The Punjab Bar Council denounced the alleged illegal arrest of Ghulam Rasool Khan without notice. The council stressed a transparent inquiry, Khan's immediate release, and dismissal of the FIR. Failure to comply may lead to direct action by lawyers. The statement was made by Chairman Zabihullah Nagra and Vice Chairman Muhammad Ashfaq Kahoot of the Punjab Bar Council.

Employer organization

The High Court Bar Association, Bahawalpur, likewise deplored the alleged illegal arrest of Ghulam Rasool Khan. The association called for an immediate inquiry and Khan's release, warning of a strong reaction if their request isn't met. Imran Aziz Khan Channer, General Secretary, has called for this case to be cleared.

Press Club Status

Press club 1: City Press Club Bahawalpur, however, held a protest against the illegal arrest of Khan and strongly condemned the action, calling the CCD a black sheep.

Press club 2: The Bahawalpur Bar Association condemned the arrest of Khan in strong terms and demanded his immediate release. According to a resolution passed on September 25, 2025, the association demanded a transparent investigation and Khan's prompt release, warning that failure to comply may lead to further action.

Press club 3: The District Bar Association, Rahim Yar Khan, also strongly condemned the alleged illegal detention of Ghulam Rasool Khan by the NCCIA police. The association has demanded that the authorities immediately release Khan and conduct a fair and transparent inquiry into the matter. They have criticized the FIA's actions as excessive and unjustified, expressing solidarity with Advocate Mudassar Rasool and his family during this challenging time.