During the raids, the FIA seized 4 laptops, 1 PC, 12 BVS devices, active SIMs, mobile phones, hard-disk, original CNICs with photocopies and soft copies of Afghan passports and POR cards. 15 persons working for the franchisees were arrested at the spot and FIRs have been registered by the agency. FIA is further investigating the cases.

PTA had filed complaints with FIA earlier based on information regarding illegal issuance of SIMs by the sales channel. The raids signify the Authority’s dedication to eradicate the illegal issuance of SIMs.

The court found him guilty of circulating blasphemous images and videos with the intent to offend the religious sentiments of Muslims.

In connection with the same case, a 17-year-old has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Both individuals have denied any wrongdoing. The case originated from a complaint filed in 2022 by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) cybercrime unit in Lahore, later referred to a local court in Gujranwala.

In this week’s verdict, the judges ruled that the 22-year-old was condemned to death for producing blasphemous content, while the younger defendant received a life sentence for sharing the material.

The plaintiff alleged to have received the incriminating videos and images from three different mobile numbers. The FIA confirmed the presence of “obscene material” on the plaintiff’s phone after examination.

The defense attorneys contended that the two students were ensnared in a fabricated case.

The father of the convicted individual on death row, whose identity remains undisclosed, informed the BBC of his intention to appeal the verdict in the Lahore High Court.

The court clarified that the minor student received a life sentence instead of capital punishment due to his age.