A case has been registered against Salman Ahmad, a veteran Pakistani musician, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) for allegedly disseminating anti-state propaganda, police reported on Monday.
According to the police, the case was filed at Defence A police station in Lahore on behalf of the state.
The first information report (FIR) stated that Ahmad had allegedly spread false propaganda against state institutions on social media and shared a post inciting hatred, which subsequently went viral.
It further mentioned that the post was observed by a police officer on duty, leading to the formal registration of the case.
The federal government introduced and passed the controversial amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act in January 2025.
The new amendments introduce Section 26(A) to Peca, which aims to penalize individuals responsible for spreading “fake news” online. It stipulates that anyone who intentionally disseminates, displays, or transmits false information likely to cause fear, panic, or unrest within society may face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to Rs2 million, or both.
It is relevant to note that the PTI had terminated the basic membership of the veteran musician in December of the previous year for posting content against the incarcerated Khan’s family.
The former ruling party issued a notification regarding his termination, accusing Ahmad of “sowing division and discontent” among party members and supporters through “unwarranted and scurrilous posts” on social media.
The notification further stated that the party “had dissociated itself from your conduct and statements and had warned you about the consequences of your conduct”.
The renowned guitarist had strongly criticized PTI founder’s wife Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in some of his posts on X, holding them responsible for mismanagement and accusing them of fleeing the scene during the party’s “final call” protest in November 2024.
