Lahore High Court Grants Protective Bail to Noreen Niazi

The Lahore High Court granted one week of interim protective bail to Noreen Niazi, the sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, on July 31, 2026. The ruling follows charges filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) alleging that Niazi used a podcast and social media to make derogatory and inflammatory remarks about the Pakistan Armed Forces and other state institutions.

According to the NCCIA, Niazi claimed a past military conflict between Pakistan and India was orchestrated in collaboration with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance the military's public image. The case was registered in Islamabad under the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, though Niazi resides in Lahore.

Legal counsel for Niazi argued the charges are politically motivated and that she faced the threat of arbitrary arrest. Justice Sardar Akbar Ali granted the bail and ordered Niazi to appear before the relevant court in Islamabad prior to the next hearing.