Sahiwal Police from City Police Station, Ghala Mandi Police Station, and Chichawatni City Police Station have arrested three youths under the PECA Act on charges of spreading religious hatred on social media.
City Police Sahiwal conducted a raid at Saddar Chowk Sahiwal and arrested Zaheer Abbas Rehmani, the owner of Chand Collection Center in Soodi Gali.
The accused was allegedly posting content on social media that incited sectarianism and unrest. Police also seized his mobile phone.
In the second incident, Ghala Mandi Police Sahiwal raided Pakpatan Chowk and arrested Muhammad Usman from Shamsi Mohalla, Ghala Mandi.
The police took possession of the accused’s mobile phone. His social media account was found to contain content promoting religious hatred.
In the third incident, Chichawatni City Police arrested Muhammad Owais Pasha Malik at Lari Adda Chichawatni. The accused was sharing blasphemous remarks on his Facebook account.
Sahiwal and Chichawatni Police have registered FIRs against the accused based on complaints filed by three sub-inspectors: Muhammad Azhar, Aakash Roheel, and Muhammad Jafar.
Three cases have been registered under Sections 295-A, 298-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, and Section 11 of the PECA Act.
Sahiwal Police have appealed to citizens to use social media responsibly. Under the PECA Act, any state institution or citizen can file a direct complaint and become a complainant against such offenses.