FIA detains Orya Maqbool Jan, investigates social media accounts

Anchorperson Orya Maqbool Jan has been taken into custody on Thursday on charges of spreading religious hatred.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing arrested him from his residence in Lahore at DHA Phase 6. 

As per the channel report, an investigation into his social media accounts by the FIA cybercrime wing is currently underway.

Orya is a columnist, anchor, and former civil servant of BPS-21 grade. He used to appear as an analyst on a private news television show called Harf-e-Raaz.

On May 13, 2023, he was arrested from his house in a crackdown on PTI leaders and their supporters.

In 2018, his visa application to Norway was rejected due to his negative comments regarding the Ahmadiyya and Jewish communities. While serving as deputy commissioner in Balochistan, Jan was noted for his favourable portrayal of the Taliban.

In 2021, reports emerged indicating that Jan was among the beneficiaries who received residential plots in Islamabad's F-14 and F-15 sectors. The Islamabad High Court expressed regret over the allotment of plots at subsidised rates, citing a potential loss of Rs1 trillion to the public exchequer.

During an interview, Orya Maqbool Jan revealed that he had a love marriage with a student at the college where he used to teach.

Reporter: Irfan Malik