Maps
Magazine

LEGAL

FIA Arrests Suspect Over Anti-State Social Media Campaign on Jaffar Express Attack
FIA arrests Haider Saeed for alleged anti-state propaganda after the Jaffar Express attack. PTI defends him as a "committed activist," while Punjab minister condemns the party’s stance.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-17
FIA Arrests Suspect Over Anti-State Social Media Campaign on Jaffar Express Attack

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Monday arrested a suspect, Haider Saeed, in Banigala for allegedly running an “anti-state campaign” on social media following the Jaffar Express train attack. The suspect was later presented before a judge, who granted a three-day physical remand.

The arrest comes in the wake of a deadly attack on the Jaffar Express on March 12, when Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists ambushed the train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, carrying 440 passengers. The attack led to a two-day security operation, during which 33 terrorists were killed. However, 26 hostages, including 18 security personnel, lost their lives, and five more security forces personnel were martyred.

FIA’s Case Against Haider Saeed

According to an FIA statement, Haider Saeed was detained for allegedly sharing propaganda and inflammatory content against state institutions in the aftermath of the attack. The agency accused him of supporting and promoting banned terrorist organizations, particularly the BLA, on social media.

A first information report (FIR) was registered against him on March 16, detailing his alleged role in propagating misleading content and glorifying terrorism. The FIR stated:

“[The suspect] is found sharing highly intimidating content on social media. Moreover, he propagated tweets glorifying the banned outfit Balochistan Liberation Army, with criminal intent to create fear, insecurity, and subversion in the state.”

FIA’s cybercrime wing has seized the suspect’s social media accounts and digital records as part of the investigation. Authorities warned of strict action against those spreading misinformation or supporting terrorist activities online.

PTI Calls Haider Saeed a ‘Committed Activist’

Following his arrest, PTI’s official X (Twitter) handle described Saeed as a “committed activist and supporter of Imran Khan” and claimed that his home was raided by law enforcement.

A YouTube channel linked to Saeed reportedly contains pro-PTI videos dating back to November 2022, further fueling political controversy around the case.

Government Condemns PTI’s Alleged Role in Propaganda

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari strongly criticized PTI, accusing the party of running an “anti-state and anti-security forces campaign” similar to narratives pushed by foreign media.

“At a time when the country needs unity, one party continues to attack state institutions, giving our enemies an advantage,” she said.

She further alleged that Indian media had pre-prepared AI-generated content to portray Pakistan as a failed state during the Jaffar Express incident.

Bokhari also took aim at KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, accusing him of prioritizing Afghan refugees over the security concerns of his own province.

“KP is on the front line of terrorism, yet its chief minister is more concerned about Afghan nationals than the safety of his own people,” she remarked, citing recent attacks in Bannu and Balochistan.

Political Tensions Rise Over Social Media Misinformation

The case against Haider Saeed highlights growing concerns about online narratives surrounding terrorism and national security. While the government views it as a crackdown on digital extremism, PTI sees it as another instance of political victimization.

As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on FIA’s next steps and how the courts handle the allegations.
Tagged:

Pakistan

PTI

FIA

Terrorism

BLA

CyberCrime

JaffarExpress
Share News: