On April 11, the family of slain journalist Zakir Hussain, also known as Shan Dahar, alongside representatives from a media rights organisation, demanded a new investigation into his murder. At a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club, they called for the immediate arrest of the suspects who have evaded capture for over a decade.

During the press conference, Zakir’s sister, Fauzia Dahar, accompanied by Safe Journalism activists Adil Jawad and Waqar Soomro, accused the Larkana police of misconduct. They alleged that the police facilitated suspects Irfan Brohi and Amir Zehri by orchestrating a “dramatic arrest” despite knowing about their pre-arrest bail.

On April 2, Larkana police announced the arrest of Irfan Zehri Brohi, a suspect in the Dahar’s murder case. According to media reports, Irfan, who had been declared an absconder and proclaimed offender in the case, was arrested in a raid near Darra crossing by Badah Station House Officer (SHO) Abdul Ghafoor Chutto.

On April 02, a convention on media laws, regulation, and ethics held at the Karachi Press Club unanimously rejected the amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025, labelling them as oppressive and designed to stifle journalistic freedom.

The gathering, organised by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ), also passed a resolution demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all cases against journalists under Peca.

The convention, attended by Senator Raza Rabbani, a wide array of journalists, human rights activists, lawyers, and legal experts, highlighted the challenges faced by the media in Pakistan, describing the current period as one of unprecedented difficulty. The speakers noted that between 30 and 34 laws could potentially be used against the media, with PECA being the most detrimental, likened to the historical Permit Law of 1822 known for its restrictive nature.

The attendees voiced their concerns over the economic pressures on media workers, exacerbated by government policies, and called for the clearance of all pending dues and salaries. They argued that financial hardship was another method used to undermine media freedom.

Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani emphasized the need for the government to not only address the challenges faced by the media sector but to ensure that financial and institutional support extended to media owners effectively trickles down to media workers. He highlighted that true press freedom and a flourishing democracy require the unfettered functioning of all societal pillars, including the judiciary and media.

The resolutions adopted at the convention urged the government to cease using advertising policies to pressure media organisations and called for a transparent review of PECA within the relevant committees of the National Assembly and the Senate. They also demanded the reopening of debate on recent stringent defamation legislation in Punjab, perceived as another attempt to curtail journalistic activities.

The convention stood in solidarity with the media fraternity, asserting the non-negotiable nature of free expression for a functional democracy and declaring that journalism is not a crime. The participants stressed that the state could not suppress the truth by silencing those who speak it and that the current climate of intimidation was unsustainable and harmful to the country’s democratic fabric.

On April 2, Larkana police announced the arrest of Irfan Zehri Brohi, a suspect in the murder case of journalist Zakir Ali – also known as Shan Dahar – Bureau Chief of Abb Takk Television channel in Larkana district of Sindh. Dahar was killed twelve years ago in 2014. 

According to media reports, Irfan, had been declared an absconder and proclaimed offender in the case, was arrested in a raid near Darra crossing by Badah Station House Officer (SHO) Abdul Ghafoor Chutto.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) cautiously welcomes the news of Irfan’s arrest. We urge authorities to ensure that this arrest does not serve as just a formality but leads to further concrete actions against those behind the murder. PPF’s cautious reaction is based on the skepticism expressed by Dahar’s sister, Fauzia Dahar, both about the arrest and its motives.

Speaking to the PPF, Fauzia shared that they had found out about Irfan’s arrest from social media and from journalists and they wanted confirmation that he was in police custody. Fauzia shared they had received a letter for a court hearing set for April 6 for Irfan’s bail. She said that even if Irfan receives bail the case should continue. Dahar’s sister also shared pressure that the family had faced to reach some compromise or agreement but had refused to do so.

In a conversation with PPF, SHO Badah Police Station, Abdul Ghafoor, said they had received intelligence information that Irfan had arrived in Badah. Acting on this tip-off, a police team comprising six personnel conducted a raid in the area and arrested him. 

The SHO further said that Irfan, who is a farmer by profession, was arrested on April 2 during the afternoon and was subsequently shifted to the police station.

Regarding the initial investigation, the SHO stated that the suspect denied confessing to the crime and claimed that he was being falsely implicated in the case. According to the SHO, the suspect’s lawyer obtained interim bail, after which he was released from the police station. He added that the suspect’s bail will now be confirmed by the sessions court.

Dahar’s murder took place 14 years ago, on January 1st. Dahar was shot by armed men and taken to a local hospital where he remained unattended until he succumbed to his injuries. 

By the time the medical superintendent got to the scene and Dahar was transferred to Chandka Hospital in Larkana, the journalist had lost a considerable amount of blood. That, coupled with a gross lack of medical attention, cost Dahar his life. Before he breathed his last, some nine to ten hours later, he alleged that the influential Zehri family was behind the attack.

Shortly before his death, Dahar had broadcast a story on drug sales. Also, at the time he was killed, he was working on a report about the unauthorized sale of pharmaceutical medicines in the area, medications allocated by a local NGO for the poor were being resold illegally.

During the nine hours that he spent at CMCH, Dahar managed to inform his friends and family by telephone that Amir Zehri and Irfan Zehri had shot him in the back. 

On January 1, Dahar’s brother-in-law Riaz Khushk registered a First Information Report (FIR) [criminal complaint] of the murder. Police investigators, however, ignored the FIR and concluded that Dahar was killed accidentally by aerial firing on New Year’s Eve. Fauzia Dahar, and other family members rejected the police investigation report and continued to maintain that Dahar was murdered for his reporting.

Arisar registered a criminal complaint (First Information Report) against the suspects the same day under Section 324, 506(II), 504, 337-A(I), 337-F (I) and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

In the FIR, Arisar shared that he was a journalist by profession and also serves as the General Secretary of Umerkot Press Club and is a representative of a prominent newspaper. He reported that on that day he was recording a video and covering the issue of women who were affected by harassment.

During this activity, three accused persons, including Dilbar Bhayo and Ali Murad Dhal, arrived at the spot and started abusing the complainant in filthy and insulting language. Dhal angrily told the complainant, “You are a journalist, I forbid you from doing journalism,” and threatened him with dire consequences.

Arisar further stated that Bhayo fully supported Dhal, actively participating in the abuse and intimidation. The accused persons jointly extended serious threats to kill the complainant, creating fear and panic, and attempted to stop him from recording the video and performing his professional duties. Bhayo also used criminal force, pointed a pistol, insulted the complainant with the intent to provoke a breach of peace, and caused him mental distress and fear of grievous harm.

Arisar stated that despite requests and intervention, the accused continued to threaten and intimidate him. Fearing for his life and safety, he left the spot and proceeded to the Umerkot Press Club, where he narrated the entire incident to the press club president and other colleagues. The complainant requested legal action against the accused under the relevant sections of law.

According to Dawn, the suspect, Bhayo, is an employee of the Agriculture Department’s Water Management Wing, which had been the basis for the cancellation of his membership of the press club. As per the report, because of this the suspect had held a grudge against him.

Speaking to PPF, Arisar confirmed that what was reported in Dawn is true and the incident happened exactly as described. Arisar stated that a government employee in the Agriculture Department, Dilbar Bhayo and certain individuals, including a journalist, Ali Murad Dhal, had attacked him during a coverage. Following the incident, he filed an FIR, after which the alleged attackers were arrested and presented before the court. He added that during the arrest, his nephew and cousin assisted the police by holding the accused, which the accused later tried to frame the matter as a “private issue” and involved the community for whom he had been reporting, alleging that he was against them, and used social media to spread this narrative. 

Arisar further stated that Pakistan Tehreek i Insaf’s MNA Laal Malik intervened, apologized to him, and also made the accused apologize to him. The matter has been settled through a compromise, said Arisar.

As per Dawn, the Senior Superintendent of Police Umerkot Uzair Ahmed Memon said that Bhayo had been arrested while they were searching for the other suspects.

Protests took place near the Diplomatic Enclave in Islamabad resulting in at least two deaths. Journalist Asad Ali Toor and Al Jazeera journalist Abid Hussayn suffered injuries in the protest coverage. Footage shared on X showed Toor recording a video with a cut visible on his nose and what appears to be blood stains on his shirt. 

Protests also erupted outside the US Consulate General in Karachi resulting in the death of 11 people. Speaking to PPF, Dawn-White Star photographer Shakil Adil recounted that he was present near the consulate in the afternoon, covering the event, when a large and aggressive crowd advanced toward him. Fearing for his life, he abandoned his motorcycle and fled to safety. 

His motorcycle was struck during the chaos and was later set on fire by protesters. He, along with his colleagues, sought refuge at the Karachi Press Club (KPC).

The KPC has strongly condemned the incident. KPC President Fazil Jamili urged the government to take effective and practical measures for journalists’ protection.

Speaking to PPF, a photojournalist with the Agence France-Presse (AFP), Muhammad Asif Hasan, said that he was covering the area around the US consulate, and after finishing his coverage, when he returned to the parking lot where he had parked his bike, it was missing. He tried searching nearby, but the area was completely clear. He has no idea whether the bike has been damaged, taken by the police, or stolen by someone else. He immediately called 15 from the spot and tried to register an online complaint, but no formal complaint has been registered so far. 

Separately, other incidents have been shared on social media platforms. Samaa TV broadcast journalist Kiran Naz took to X to share footage of her car sunroof damaged.

On February 18, a special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad dismissed an application filed by senior journalist Matiullah Jan challenging the court’s jurisdiction and the framing of charges in terrorism and narcotics cases against him. The court directed that charges be formally framed and fixed February 19 for the indictment proceedings.

Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra heard detailed arguments from both the prosecution and the defence on the application, in which Jan’s counsel contended that the Anti-Terrorism Court did not have the authority to try the case and requested that the matter be transferred to a relevant court. The judge had reserved the verdict after hearing submissions from both sides.

Announcing the reserved order, the court rejected the plea regarding jurisdiction and directed that proceedings for indictment be initiated. The judge stated that charges would be formally framed against the accused on the following day, and subsequently adjourned further proceedings until February 19.

Jan had challenged the framing of charges in the narcotics case, arguing that there was no video evidence of the alleged recovery of drugs. A related petition is pending before the Islamabad High Court. In previous hearings, the high court granted the prosecution additional time to submit forensic reports; however, the police have yet to produce those reports.

Following the hearing, Jan posted on the social media platform X that the government was pursuing what he described as a fabricated case against him. He stated that he had been taken from the premises of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences on November 27 along with journalist Saqib Basheer while reporting on casualties from firing at a PTI protest, and that a false First Information Report (FIR) was subsequently registered.

According to the FIR lodged by Superintendent of Police Asif Ali at Margalla Police Station, the case stems from an incident at the E-9 checkpost in Islamabad. The FIR states that Jan was intercepted while driving a white Toyota Yaris towards F-10 and allegedly rammed the vehicle into police personnel, injuring Constable Mudassir. It further alleges that when the vehicle was stopped by a barrier, Jan exited the car, assaulted the constable and briefly seized his submachine gun, which was later recovered by police.

The FIR also claims that Jan appeared to be under the influence of narcotics. A search of the vehicle allegedly led to the recovery of 246 grams of methamphetamine from beneath the driver’s seat. A one-gram sample was collected for chemical analysis, and the vehicle was impounded.

The case invokes Section 9(2)4 of the Control of Narcotic Substances Act 1997, relating to possession of psychotropic substances between 100 and 500 grams, and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. It also includes Sections 186, 279, 353, 382, 411, 427 and 506(ii) of the Pakistan Penal Code, covering offences including obstruction of public servants, rash driving, assault, theft, mischief and criminal intimidation.

The FIR was registered at 3:20 am, nearly an hour after the alleged incident. Jan’s family has previously stated that he was taken from the parking area of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences the night before, questioning the circumstances surrounding the registration of the case.

On February 18, the Supreme Court granted post-arrest bail to journalist Sohrab Barkat in a case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, ordering his release upon the submission of surety bonds worth Rs200,000. The bail order overturns a 21 January ruling by the Lahore High Court, which had previously rejected his plea. Barkat had been held in judicial custody at Kot Lakhpat Jail.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb heard the petition filed by Advocate Saad Rasool. The case stems from a complaint lodged by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, alleging that Barkat had spread misinformation and diminished public trust in state institutions during an interview he conducted.

During proceedings, Deputy Attorney General Raja Muhammad Shafqat Abbasi argued that the offences carried a potential sentence of up to ten years. Justice Afghan noted that courts had granted bail even in cases under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which carries the death penalty. He further questioned why Peca was being applied selectively to those criticising a particular institution, while no action appeared to be taken against those making derogatory remarks about the judiciary.

The bench sought clarification on the status of the investigation and trial. Barkat’s counsel stated that Sanam Javed, the interviewee whose remarks formed the basis of the complaint, had not initially been included in the investigation. He added that although the challan had been submitted, the defence had not been provided access to it, no charge sheet had been filed, and formal trial proceedings had yet to begin. The investigating officer informed the court that a supplementary challan concerning Javed had since been filed.

In his plea, Barkat argued that his arrest violated earlier high court orders and that the FIR did not attribute any specific unlawful act to him. He contended that a journalist could not be held responsible for comments made by an interviewee and rejected suggestions that he owned the online platform where the interview was uploaded. The Supreme Court granted bail while emphasising that the order did not amount to an acquittal and that the government remained free to continue legal proceedings.

On February 14, the Parliamentary Reporters Association Pakistan strongly protested after journalists were stopped from entering the Parliament House while covering an ongoing opposition sit-in. The association described the move as undemocratic and a direct attack on press freedom, stating that reporters were prevented from carrying out their constitutional and professional duty to inform the public. It said that covering such an important political process is the professional responsibility of journalists and that preventing them from doing so constitutes a blatant violation of the principles of press freedom.

According to the association, journalists had continued reporting on the sit-in until late at night. The following morning, its President, M.B. Soomro, senior journalist Akram Abid and other reporters returned to Parliament House to resume coverage. However, they were stopped at the main entrance by security personnel. The association alleged that journalists were pushed and denied entry to the premises.

During the incident, senior journalist Akram Abid was reportedly grabbed by the arms and placed inside a police van. M.B. Soomro intervened and maintained that if Akram Abid was to be arrested, he would also accompany him. Following this intervention, Akram Abid was released. The association described the episode as disturbing and unacceptable.

In a joint statement issued by President M.B. Soomro, Secretary Naveed Akbar and other office-bearers, the association condemned what it termed obstacles, inappropriate treatment and misconduct faced by journalists during coverage of the sit-in. It stated that preventing journalists from entering a national institution such as Parliament House amounts to denying them their constitutional and professional rights.

The association further said that Parliament should not be turned into a restricted zone where media access is blocked. It emphasised that journalists have a fundamental right to report on the activities of elected representatives, particularly during significant political developments such as a parliamentary sit-in. It warned that if reporters are stopped from performing their duties, citizens cannot receive timely and reliable information about proceedings inside Parliament, which affects transparency and the flow of accurate information to the public.

The Parliamentary Reporters Association Pakistan demanded the immediate removal of all restrictions on journalists’ entry into Parliament House and called for effective measures to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in future, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding journalists’ professional rights, press freedom and responsible reporting.

On February 3, the Federal Constitutional Court disposed of a suo motu case concerning the killing of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya, ruling that further judicial oversight was impermissible while investigations were progressing under a mutual legal assistance agreement between Pakistan and Kenya.

The 14-page judgment, authored by Justice Aamer Farooq, stated that both countries were coordinating through diplomatic channels following the signing of the MLA agreement. It explained that intervention by the court would interfere with an investigation being conducted under established legal frameworks.

The court noted that the matter was already being handled at the state level, including through a special joint investigation team and engagements between the two governments. It said judicial direction in a case involving two sovereign states could encroach on the domain of foreign policy, which falls under the remit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the federal government.

The judgment recorded several steps taken by Pakistan, including diplomatic contact between the prime minister and the Kenyan president, meetings between Pakistan’s high commissioner in Kenya and Kenyan officials, and the issuance of black warrants. It also noted that the family of Arshad Sharif was pursuing separate legal remedies before the Kenyan Supreme Court.

The court referred to a February 2023 order of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which acknowledged that diplomatic channels and MLA procedures were under way. It reiterated that approaching international forums at this stage was not appropriate, though such avenues could be considered later if required.

The ruling said that Sharif’s legal heirs may approach a competent court should they have any specific grievance. It also stated that the court shared the grief felt across the country over the journalist’s death.

Arshad Sharif was shot dead on the outskirts of Nairobi on October 23, 2022, when Kenyan police opened fire on his vehicle. He had left Pakistan in August 2022 after multiple sedition cases were registered against him.

The FCC noted that its intervention was no longer necessary, stating that keeping the suo motu action pending would amount to supervising every aspect of the investigation. All pending applications were disposed of accordingly.

The purpose of a current affairs talk show like Naya Pakistan with Shahzad Iqbal, for which a show-cause notice was issued, is to discuss current affairs, including interviews with government representatives.

A show-cause notice dated January 26 stated that the host Shahzad Iqbal “presented biased opinion about proceedings of the trial” and asserted that the segment constituted a “sheer violation” of multiple provisions of the PEMRA Ordinance, Rules, and the Electronic Media Code of Conduct.

In a clip from the show, the host, Iqbal, was speaking with Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, beginning with a recount of developments in the case, including the lack of a right to a fair trial. He then posed the question to Sanaullah: “Do you think that this is justice that in the case of a tweet, 10-year sentences are handed down?” It is noteworthy that Sanaullah was given the platform to respond. 

Responding to the notice, Iqbal stated, “How absurd that Pemra is now sending notice on asking questions. The assertion that merely posing a question to a minister constitutes a ‘biased opinion’ is legally untenable and factually incorrect.”

Geo News Managing Director and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) President Azhar Abbas also criticized the move, saying: “It’s getting ridiculous by the day.”

PEMRA has directed the channel’s CEO to “show cause in writing within three (03) days” and appear for a personal hearing, warning that “in case of non-compliance, ex-parte proceedings shall be initiated and legal action shall be taken against the licensee.”

Mazari and Chatha have represented journalists and media professionals in various cases, and, in an environment where journalists are often the target of cases and other punitive measures, including under PECA, the conviction of the two will further weaken the protections and recourse available for journalists. Their conviction under PECA should raise alarm bells about the potential use of the law in other future instances as well.

Freedom of expression is a Constitutional right, and its erosion through expansive, punitive interpretations of cybercrime law poses a profound threat to press freedom and democratic accountability in the country.

In the verdict dated January 24, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka stated that the “prosecution has been able to prove its case against both the accused” under Sections 9, 10 and 26-A of PECA. The court imposed five years of rigorous imprisonment and a Rs. 5 million (approx. 54,539 USD) fine each under Section 9, ten years and a Rs. 30 million fine each under Section 10, and two years and a Rs1 million fine each under Section 26-A, with additional imprisonment in case of non-payment.

The verdict stated that Mazari had “consistently disseminated highly offensive, misleading and anti-state contents on social media,” allegedly with the “active connivance” of Chattha. Judge Majoka claimed: “She propagated a narrative that aligned with hostile terrorist groups and proscribed organisations and individuals,” and that her posts “incited ethnic hatred, undermined public trust [in] state organisations and portrayed the armed forces are behind terrorism and forced disappearances.” The judgment further asserted that these posts “portrayed the agenda” of the banned Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Judge Majoka added: “Both the accused persons are advocates by profession and they have fully knowledge that Pakistan is not included in the list of terrorist states but they have intentionally in their tweets mentioned Pakistan as a terrorist state, which in fact is the agenda of BLA, TTP.”

The judgment went on to stated that the duo’s online activity expressed “solidarity and support for the proscribed individuals or organisations.” The court rejected defence arguments that mere views about individuals cannot amount to “glorification,” asserting that PECA defines glorification as including “any form of praise or celebration.”

The case originates from an August 2025 First Information Report (FIR) filed at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Islamabad accusing Mazari of “disseminating and propagating narratives that align with hostile terrorist groups and proscribed organisations,” of blaming security forces for missing persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and of portraying them as ineffective against proscribed groups, including the BLA and TTP. Chattha was implicated for reposting and amplifying her content. Judge Majoka issued arrest warrants on November 5, 2025, after months of contentious proceedings involving refusals by court-appointed counsel to cross-examine witnesses, repeated delays, and the cancellation of interim bail. Meanwhile, separate cases were also initiated against the couple for a Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) protest and a scuffle near the Islamabad High Court.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the arrest of the duo.

In contrast, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar praised the verdict, “As you sow, so shall you reap! The first official and final result of Peca. One should fear God.”

On January 23, the National Assembly of Pakistan addressed concerns about the unavailability of its official YouTube channel, confirming that the channel had not been shut down but was experiencing temporary technical issues. This clarification came after reports surfaced suggesting that the channel had disappeared, particularly during a time when parliamentary proceedings were not broadcast live as usual.

According to an official statement released on the social media platform X, the disruption was due to a social media server outage that temporarily affected accessibility. The issues were resolved, and the channel resumed normal operation, with the proceedings of the joint session of Parliament being uploaded and accessible to the public.

The confusion arose when the official YouTube channel, @NationalAssemblyOfPakistan, became inaccessible on January 21. This interruption coincided with the absence of live streaming for the subsequent parliamentary sittings on January 21 and January 22. It was noted that an alternative channel, @NaofPakistan, appeared recently but had minimal content and subscribers. The main channel, which previously had thousands of subscribers and regularly uploaded videos, was not appearing in search results and could not be accessed globally, even via Virtual Private Networks (VPN).

The developments coincided with the joint session summoned by President Asif Ali Zardari, during which Parliament passed three bills previously returned unsigned by the president: the National Commission for Human Rights Amendment Bill, 2025; the Daanish Schools Authority Bill, 2025; and the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2025. The bills had earlier been approved by both houses before being returned by the Presidency last month.

On January 20, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) registered a First Information Report (FIR) and arrested an individual accused of running a defamatory and intimidating social media campaign against senior journalist Rauf Klasra. The case relates to the alleged posting of fabricated and abusive content on Facebook, with authorities confirming that further investigation is under way.

According to NCCIA sources, the accused, identified in the FIR as Syed Zain Ali, has been taken into custody. The FIR was lodged with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency in Islamabad following a complaint submitted by the journalist through the NCCIA Cyber Crime Reporting Centre.

The FIR states that the accused used a Facebook account to publish false, malicious, abusive and threatening material aimed at harming the complainant’s reputation, dignity and professional standing. It further records that the content was posted with the intention of defamation and intimidation.

Details of the inquiry show that on January 14, the accused allegedly published an offensive and provocative post using a Facebook account titled “Syed Zain Ali Kazmi”. The post reportedly contained inappropriate language and false allegations directed at the complainant.

Following the inquiry, identified as RE-157/2026, and the emergence of supporting evidence, approval was obtained from the competent authority to register the case. Consequently, FIR No. 14/2026 was registered at the NCCIA Police Station in Islamabad on January 16. The case was filed under Sections 20, 24 and 26-A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, along with Section 294 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

NCCIA officials stated that the investigation is ongoing. They added that if evidence emerges indicating the involvement of any additional individuals, their roles will also be examined during the course of the investigation.

On January 15, journalists in Tank condemned the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Dera Ismail Khan range, after media representatives were barred from covering the visit of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to Police Lines Tank. Press bodies said the restriction prevented reporters from carrying out their professional duties.

An emergency joint meeting was convened, bringing together the District Press Club Tank, Professional Journalists Association, Daman Press Club, Mehsud Press Club, Bettani Press Club, Social Media Press Club, Pakistan Journalists Association (PJA) and Professional Pakistan Journalists Association (PPJA). Participants reviewed the DIG’s directives and the conduct of police personnel deployed during the chief minister’s visit.

The meeting unanimously agreed to form a Joint All Press Clubs Journalists Action Committee to coordinate a collective response. Representatives passed a resolution condemning the DIG and his subordinate officers for imposing what speakers described as an “authoritarian and unconstitutional” restriction on media coverage.

Journalists addressing the meeting stated that the measures were a clear violation of press freedom. They said that even during periods of martial law, journalists were not subjected to such restrictions. The bodies announced a complete boycott of coverage related to the police department in protest.

Participants maintained that the restrictions followed previous reporting by Tank journalists concerning the DIG’s failure to attend funerals of martyred police personnel and his lack of engagement with bereaved families. They alleged that the ban was imposed through the DSP Headquarters as retaliation for that coverage.

The journalist community called for the immediate withdrawal of the restrictions. They warned that protests would escalate if press access continued to be curtailed.

On January 18, a judicial magistrate in Karachi acquitted journalist and digital media platform Raftar CEO Farhan Mallick in a case alleging the uploading of anti-state content, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish “any specific allegation in such alleged video which can be termed as anti-state and was used to harm/damage the reputation of any individual”.

Mallick had sought acquittal under Section 249-A of the Criminal Procedure Code before Judicial Magistrate (East) Gulraiz Memon. After hearing arguments from defence counsel Abdul Moiz Jaferii and FIA prosecutor Sheraz Rajpar, the magistrate held that the record did not support continuation of the trial and exercised the court’s authority to acquit at any stage.

In the written order, the magistrate noted that NCCIA technical assistant Irfan Mehar testified that he discovered a video on 7 November 2024 on the YouTube channel ‘Raftar TV’, part of the digital media platform Raftar, tagged with “#zillatrepublicofpakistan”, which he considered anti-state. However, during cross-examination, Mehar stated that the video showed a rush outside a NADRA office and was unable to explain how it could be deemed anti-state or harmful to any dignitary.

The order further observed that Section 26-A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016—relating to false and fake information—was inserted in 2025. The magistrate pointed out that the alleged video was recorded in November 2024, before the provision came into effect.

The court held that the prosecution had not produced any substantive evidence linking Mallick to content harmful to the state or any person. It stated that no specific allegation had been identified in the video and that the absence of a private complainant or any individual claiming harm weakened the case. The magistrate added that the prosecution had not identified any person affected by the alleged post or tweet.

Mallick, who heads the digital media platform Raftar, was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency on March 20 and later released on bail. He had been booked under Sections 16, 20, and 26-A of the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act, and under Section 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The first FIR, filed by the FIA Cyber Crime Reporting Centre Karachi on 20 March, alleged that Raftar’s YouTube channel was involved in posting anti-state videos targeting unnamed dignitaries. It stated that technical analysis indicated Mallick’s involvement in generating and disseminating posts containing fake news and content that were said to harm the reputations of public institutions internationally.

Following his arrest, Mallick was initially remanded in FIA custody and subsequently placed on a 14-day judicial remand. His bail application before Judicial Magistrate (East) Yusra Ashfaq was dismissed, but was later approved by District and Sessions Judge (East) Dr Chaudhry Wasim Iqbal.

A second FIR was registered on 25 March at the FIA Cyber Crime Reporting Centre on the complaint of Asad Ali, alleging that several individuals involved in the theft of confidential financial data of foreign nationals had claimed to be acting under Mallick’s patronage. Mallick was remanded in FIA custody for five days in this case on 26 March. After securing bail in the first matter, his counsel sought bail before the Judicial Magistrate (Malir) in the second.

On January 14, a judicial magistrate in Karachi approved the post-arrest bail of journalist Muhammad Aslam Shah, who is facing allegations of defamation and cyberstalking on social media. The court ordered his release upon submission of a Rs30,000 surety bond and a personal recognisance bond.

Shah had applied for bail through his lawyer, Nasir Ahmed, before the judicial magistrate (South). The prosecution, represented by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), opposed the request, while a considerable number of journalists attended the proceedings.

During the hearing, the defence argued that the case had been lodged with malafide intent and that Shah’s conduct fell under the protections provided in Section 7 of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021. Counsel Ahmed highlighted Shah’s three decades of experience in the field and his work with established print and wire services. He further contended that the charges did not attract punishments that would place them within the prohibitory clause.

The NCCIA prosecutor, Shiraz Rajper, maintained that the allegations involved material shared exclusively on social media and not through recognised media platforms. He argued that circulating such content online contravened legal provisions, even if similar reporting in print or broadcast form would not constitute an offence.

The case was initiated following an FIR registered on December 29, 2025, on the complaint of Tabish Raza Husnain, identified as an officer of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC). It invoked Sections 20 and 24 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, relating to offences against a person’s dignity and cyberstalking. Husnain alleged that Shah had run a defamatory campaign against him and his senior, Colonel Anjum, across Facebook and WhatsApp groups, using inappropriate language and causing reputational damage.

According to the FIR, the NCCIA recorded the complainant’s statement and collected screenshots of the material in question. The agency stated that it had issued repeated notices to Shah to join the inquiry, but he failed to appear, which it described as evasive. Shah was arrested on 7 January 2026, while an earlier hearing on 12 January was adjourned due to the investigating officer’s absence and the unavailability of the case file.

The proceedings come at a time when concerns have been expressed within the media sector about the use of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act in cases against journalists. In August 2025, the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting noted increasing unease over FIRs and arrests involving media professionals.

On January 14, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) indicated that it may close the suo motu proceedings initiated to seek an independent and transparent investigation into the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif, citing developments in legal cooperation between Pakistan and Kenya.

Justice Aamer Farooq, heading a two-judge FCC bench, said the court would issue an appropriate order and could seek assistance from the parties if required. He observed that the key issue before the court was determining how to proceed further, particularly in view of the progress made so far in the investigation.

The case was originally taken up suo motu by the Supreme Court and heard by a five-member bench in December 2022. Following the 26th Constitutional Amendment, it was transferred to a six-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court and later moved to the FCC after the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

During the hearing, Additional Attorney General Chaudhry Aamir Rehman informed the court that a Mutual Legal Assistance agreement between Pakistan and Kenya had been signed in September last year. He said a request had been made for the Special Joint Investigation Team to visit the crime scene once permission was granted by Kenyan authorities, adding that the SJIT report had already been submitted and that Kenya had initially declined to assist.

Justice Farooq noted that the investigation process had been slow, though no blame could be placed on any party, and questioned what further action the court could take now that a legal framework for cooperation existed. The AAG told the court that two suspects nominated in the case remained in Kenya, that Interpol red notices had been issued for their arrest, and that Pakistani investigating agencies had completed their work for the time being. He also recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had discussed the case with Kenyan President William Ruto in 2022.

On December 30, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari staged a walkout from the Punjab Assembly after opposition remarks referring to journalists as “sellouts,” a day after the Lahore Press Club had condemned the alleged mistreatment of journalists during the visit of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister to Lahore.

Addressing the assembly before walking out, Azma Bokhari said journalists in the press gallery were “beaten and pushed around” by individuals accompanying the KP chief minister during his visit to the provincial legislature. She said journalists had been boycotting assembly proceedings in protest over the incident.

“The whole world witnessed the spectacle in the assembly on the arrival of the KP CM,” she said, adding that despite preparations, the chief minister “brought unauthorised persons with him, who claimed to be journalists”. She alleged that these individuals “beat up journalists from the press gallery and misbehaved with them”, adding, “The footage is available in the assembly’s records.”

The minister said that instead of apologising, the opposition doubled down on their conduct. Referring to allegations levelled against her, she said, “I was accused of planting journalists during the KP CM’s visit,” and added that she had been told she had “paid my employees to pose as journalists”. She said she intended to send a defamation notice.

“In solidarity with what happened with Punjab’s journalists and with the members of the press gallery, I’m staging a walkout,” Azma Bokhari said. The walkout followed remarks made in a previous session by opposition member Col. (retd) Shoaib Amir, who referred to journalists in the press gallery as “sellouts”, triggering outrage among media representatives.

Separately, the Lahore Press Club condemned what it described as the “brutal treatment” of journalists by security guards accompanying the KP chief minister. In a statement, the press club demanded immediate action against the guards involved and warned that “if no action is taken, all future ceremonies and events involving the CM will be boycotted by the media”.

According to witnesses, several senior journalists, including Rao Dilshad, Adnan Sheikh, Ulfat Mughal and Waqas Ghouri, were physically assaulted and shoved by the guards. The press club said the conduct of the security staff showed they “lacked basic civility” and added that “such incidents of violence against the media will not be tolerated”. It also criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, alleging a troubling pattern of misconduct towards journalists.

In a related incident, a senior journalist, Qasim Ahmed of Sach News, was allegedly assaulted during a press conference in Lahore attended by the KP chief minister. According to details, the incident occurred when the journalist raised a question at the press conference, after which the chief minister’s guards attacked him.

The journalist was allegedly detained and assaulted by the guards, sustaining injuries to his lips and neck. He was later examined by doctors for neck pain and was advised to wear a neck collar. The journalist community strongly condemned the incident and demanded an apology.

Journalists said that attacking reporters for asking questions violated democratic and journalistic values and expressed concern over what they described as guards acting with impunity. They demanded immediate and transparent legal action against those involved and urged the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of journalists and bring those responsible to justice.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan later said that an inquiry conducted into the incidents surrounding the KP chief minister’s visit would be forwarded to law enforcement agencies.

In annual 2025 Media Freedom Report, the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) raised serious concerns over the state of media freedom in Pakistan, stating that journalists and media organisations faced sustained pressure, censorship and punitive actions throughout the year despite strict state control over information.

According to the report, released on December 31, by the Press Freedom and Monitoring Committee of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors, journalists continued to face killings, arrests, treason cases, harassment and economic pressure between January 1 and December 31, 2025. The report said measures such as blocking bank accounts, cancelling national identity cards, placing names on the Exit Control List (ECL) and suspending government advertisements were widely used to silence critical voices.

The CPNE documented that during 2025, five journalists were killed, six faced cases, arrests or other official actions, and three were subjected to harassment or intimidation. It also reported that two press conferences were blocked, two media offices were attacked, two major digital restrictions were imposed and one controversial piece of legislation had a severe impact on freedom of expression.

The report stated that several journalists were targeted under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, while others faced extraordinary actions such as the freezing of bank accounts and suspension of national identity cards. Despite these conditions, violence and legal proceedings against journalists continued throughout the year.

It further highlighted growing uniformity in print and electronic media content, raising concerns about the independence of journalism. As a result, Pakistan’s position in global media freedom rankings declined. In the 2025 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders, Pakistan fell six places to 158th position from 152nd in 2024.

According to the CPNE, strict government policies, coercive use of the PECA law, controlled advertising practices, press advisories and censorship forced many newspapers to close. The report said newsrooms of major media groups became largely empty due to downsizing and layoffs, while several television journalists, including Kashif Abbasi, Habib Akram, Paras Jahanzaib, Samina Pasha, Sami Ibrahim, Arif Hameed Bhatti and Khalid Jamil, were taken off air or compelled to leave their positions.

The report also noted that the Dawn Media Group lost government advertisements across print, electronic and radio platforms due to its editorial policy. It added that the Jang, Awaaz and Waqt media groups faced similar pressure, resulting in staff reductions.

Particular concern was expressed over the situation in Balochistan, where the CPNE said unofficial censorship, news blackouts and prolonged internet shutdowns severely damaged print media, pushing several newspapers close to closure.

The CPNE condemned all reported violations and urged federal and provincial governments to end violence and illegal actions against journalists, review restrictive laws and ensure freedom of expression in line with the Constitution and international democratic standards.

On January 2, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad awarded double life sentences to more than half a dozen journalists, analysts and YouTubers in cases linked to what the prosecution described as “digital terrorism against state institutions” during the unrest of May 9, 2023. The unrest erupted following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan and was marked by protests that led to the vandalism of government and military installations.

The verdict was announced by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra against former army officer Adil Raja, YouTuber Haider Raza Mehdi, journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir and Shaheen Sehbai, analyst Moeed Pirzada, and former army official Akbar Hussain. The prosecution alleged that the convicted individuals used online platforms to incite, facilitate and amplify attacks on state institutions during the unrest.

According to the court orders, the trials were concluded in absentia at the prosecution’s request under relevant anti-terrorism laws, as all accused were declared absconders. The cases against Adil Raja, Wajahat Saeed Khan, Shaheen Sehbai and Haider Raza Mehdi were registered at Ramna police station, while those against Sabir Shakir, Akbar Hussain and Moeed Pirzada were registered at Aabpara police station in the federal capital.

The court sentenced each convict to rigorous life imprisonment on two counts: waging or attempting to wage war against Pakistan under Section 121 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), and criminal conspiracy under Section 120-B of the PPC. Each was also fined Rs500,000 for the two life sentences.

In addition, the court awarded 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs200,000 under Section 121-A of the PPC, which deals with conspiracy to commit offences punishable under Section 121. Another 10-year rigorous imprisonment term and a Rs200,000 fine were imposed under Section 131 of the PPC for abetting mutiny or attempting to seduce members of the armed forces from their duty.

Under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, the convicts were further sentenced to three separate five-year rigorous imprisonment terms on charges including dissemination of material to incite hatred or glorify terrorism, abetment, and acts of terrorism. Fines of Rs200,000 were imposed for each of these offences. Collectively, the additional sentences amounted to 35 years’ rigorous imprisonment and cumulative fines of Rs1.5 million for each convict.

The court ordered that all sentences run concurrently and granted the benefit of Section 382-B of the Code of Criminal Procedure, allowing any period of detention to be counted towards the sentence. It also ruled that failure to pay any imposed fine would result in an additional six months’ imprisonment for each unpaid amount.

Each convict was informed of the right to file an appeal before the Islamabad High Court within seven days. The court directed the relevant station house officers to arrest the convicts upon their availability and commit them to jail to serve their sentences. All sentences remain subject to confirmation by the High Court.

During the trial, the prosecution presented 24 witnesses. The state was represented by Public Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kayani, while Advocate Gulfam Ashraf Goraiya appeared as defence counsel, having been appointed by the court. A detailed written judgement outlining the evidence and legal reasoning is yet to be issued.

The cases were registered in 2023 following the protests that erupted after Imran Khan’s arrest. Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada and Akbar Hussain were booked on charges of sedition and terrorism for alleged involvement in violence and vandalism, while Shaheen Sehbai, Wajahat Saeed Khan, Adil Raja and Haider Raza Mehdi were charged with abetting mutiny and inciting attacks on military installations.

In response to the verdicts, the social media accounts of Wajahat Saeed Khan, Shaheen Sehbai, Moeed Pirzada and Akbar Hussain showed no activity up to the time of reporting. However, in separate posts, Sabir Shakir, Adil Raja and Haider Raza Mehdi commented on the sentencing.

In 2025, PPF has documented at least 146 confirmed attacks on journalists and media professionals in connection with their work and attempts of censorship to regulate and restrict free expression. Journalists have faced a range of attacks and threats, and the repeat patterns of violence against the media, followed by continued impunity for perpetrators, must come to an end.

PPF documented repeated instances of physical assault and obstruction, particularly during on-ground coverage, where journalists were beaten, manhandled, detained, or forcibly removed from reporting locations, and in some cases had their equipment damaged or confiscated. Notably, during a year of extreme climate events, journalists were also subject to violence while covering the impact of floods in the Punjab province.

Journalists were also subjected to arrests, short-term detentions, and raids on media offices and press club premises, underscoring a pattern in which both individuals and media institutions were targeted. Well-known media professionals were amongst those arrested, including Farhan Mallick, Khalid Jamil, and Sohrab Barkat. Such incidents not only disrupt reporting but also contribute to an environment of fear and insecurity.

At the same time, legal harassment, intimidation, and censorship increasingly shaped the operating environment for journalists. PPF recorded a growing reliance on cybercrime laws, particularly through the emboldened and amended Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act, to register cases against journalists, expose them to prolonged investigations, and, in some instances, restrict their movement through measures such as travel restrictions, as was observed in the case of Farhan Mallick.

Meanwhile, 2025, also established that legal challenges for journalists don’t end at the registration of a case. In October, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad took up a case involving allegations of drug possession and terrorism from 2024 against senior journalist Matiullah Jan, for which the verdict was reserved in December. 

Journalists also faced direct threats, online harassment, and intimidation extending to their families, often exacerbated by hostile rhetoric from political leaders and officials.  In November, an AI-generated video targeted and harassed a woman journalist, Benazir Shah, focused on her character assassination.

Regulatory actions, court orders blocking digital platforms, internet and mobile service suspensions, and restrictions on access to reporting locations further constrained both on-ground and digital journalism.

Additionally, financial pressure through the selective allocation and suspension of government advertising remained a tool to target media outlets. Government advertisements were withheld from media organizations, including the Dawn Media Group and the Daily Sahafat newspaper.

It is unacceptable that year after year, journalists continue to face forms of physical violence and are now increasingly also facing the brunt of tightened legislation for digital spaces. Media professionals are now operating within a landscape of layered restrictions — from outright threats and violence to redlines to work within and increasingly active use of legal avenues to silence them as individual journalists, media bodies, and media outlets. 

The much-delayed establishment of the federal Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (CPJMP) in November was a welcome step taken this year in the right direction; however, its creation alone is not sufficient to address the entrenched risks faced by journalists. The Commission must now be made fully functional, with clear rules, adequate resources, and the institutional independence required to operate effectively. The establishment of the Commission is just the first step and must be followed with actions including the prompt registration and investigation of complaints, coordination with law enforcement and judicial authorities, and regular public reporting on progress and outcomes. 

The cases documented in 2025 include: 

Assault and Violence:

• 38 instances of physical assault and manhandling, and 2 journalists injured in an accident while on assignment 
• 5 detentions 
• 2 instances of abduction 
• 4 attacks on property, including raids 

Legal Challenges: 

• 8 arrests 
• 30 instances of case registration, including 22 with sections of the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) included 
• 24 documented instances of legal action, including by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA)

Intimidation: 

• 10 instances of threats issued, including online threats/harassment 
• 3 instances of threats of legal action
• 9 instances of harassment and intimidation, including through a journalist’s family or through the rhetoric, remarks, and actions of political leaders or the government 
• 2 instances of placement on the No Fly List

Censorship, Restrictions, and Regulation: 

• 6 instances of mobile or internet service suspensions 
• 1 Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) directive 
• 1 court order to block 27 YouTube channels 
• 1 show with YouTube access blocked in Pakistan
• 1 restriction on reporting from outside Adiala Jail, where the opposition leader is being held 

In addition to this, financial targeting of media outlets has also been observed in 2025. Government ads have been withheld from media outlets, including Daily Sahafat and the Dawn Media Group’s newspaper, television channel, and radio station. 

PPF’s recommendations for 2026: 

• Stakeholders must work towards implementing commitments that Pakistan has made — both domestically and internationally — to protect the right to freedom of expression and to move beyond lip service to actual measures and effective implementation of existing mechanisms that provide recourse in instances of attacks on journalists and can finally help in moving the needle toward reduced impunity for these crimes. It is worth reminding the relevant stakeholders that Pakistan has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, under which, in Article 19, the right to freedom of expression is protected.

• At the start of the year, the amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act, which further emboldened it, set the tone for action in the digital realm, and since multiple cases against journalists under PECA have been documented. We urge authorities to provide more clarity on the implementation of PECA and on the functioning of cybercrime bodies such as the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The bulldozing of PECA despite opposition should also serve as a reminder to hold consultations, collect feedback, and incorporate it before laws are passed.

• The Federal Media Safety Commission, now established under the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, must be made fully operational. Its rules and functional mechanisms should be established at the earliest to ensure that it actively investigates all incidents of violence against journalists brought before it, monitors legal proceedings, and publishes transparent progress reports to reinforce accountability and prevent impunity.

• In Sindh, the Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners must function effectively. The commission should ensure that incidents of violence at the provincial level are reported, investigated, and addressed promptly, while also publishing periodic reports that inform the public, civil society, and policymakers about cases and trends, strengthening transparency and responsiveness.

• At the provincial level, in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, media safety legislation is absent. With the unique circumstances and nature of threats to journalists in each province, these provincial governments should introduce and pass laws to pave the way for protection for journalists.

• Under both laws, the federal and Sindh governments are falling short of achieving their objectives to address impunity. The federal media safety law states that the government will implement best practices provided for in the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. The Sindh law states that the government will develop and implement effective strategies to combat impunity, including coordinating with stakeholders to implement best practices in the UN Plan of Action. The laws are binding, and the governments must fulfill their responsibilities.
• The suspension of advertisements to the media outlets has exposed a strategy of targeting media outlets by restricting their source of financial support. Federal or provincial authorities exercising such measures must ensure that agreed-upon quotas of advertisements to media are provided without discrimination.

• The closure of the Dawn Urdu web desk, layoffs at Nukta Pakistan, and the now normal practice of delayed salaries are reflective of the state of the media in Pakistan at the moment. While external pressures complicate financial circumstances, media organizations should think of the future of the media, keep an eye on international trends, and adapt to develop financially viable and sustainable business models. A model of dependency on government advertisements cannot free itself from the government’s pressures. 

• Codes of conduct must be developed and, where available, enforced by political parties, especially during rallies and protests, with safe zones designated for journalists. As observed in recent years, often the action against journalists comes in the form of remarks by political leadership against individual journalists. Party leaders must recognize the impact of their remarks on the safety of media professionals and ensure that codes of conduct for interaction with the media are implemented at all levels. 

• The threat of AI-generated attacks, particularly against women, is of grave concern and must be advocated against through engagements with big tech and more clarity and accountability on reporting such posts. Unless effective countermeasures are taken, such videos and manipulated footage are likely to become increasingly common in the world of AI, where such edits can be done almost seamlessly. 

• In line with this, special attention should be given to the safety of women journalists, who face disproportionate online abuse, gender-based threats, and character assassination.

• Media organizations must comply with the mandates in the federal and Sindh media safety laws to provide training, protective equipment, and insurance to their journalists. This includes coverage for physical and psychological risks, while ensuring that safety protocols are actively implemented and monitored to protect staff in the field. In an environment of growing threats, including threats in online spheres, media organizations should consider the need to provide such training a necessity. Additionally, media organizations must pay attention and establish active gender harassment committees as required under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act. 

• Attacks on press clubs must be treated as serious violations of press freedom. Federal and provincial authorities must ensure that all incidents involving raids, forced entry, vandalism, or violence at press club premises are promptly registered, independently investigated, and prosecuted.

• Press clubs and journalist unions should play an active role in protecting members by establishing emergency support systems, legal aid mechanisms, and advocacy campaigns. They should coordinate with law enforcement and the media safety commissions to report incidents in real time and provide safety guidance to journalists working in high-risk areas or covering politically sensitive events.

• Civil society must continue to engage with different stakeholders, from journalists to media outlets to press clubs, unions, associations, and duty bearers in the government, law enforcement agencies, and political parties. Civil societies can identify gaps in the safety of journalists and media professionals and tailor programming to address these.

• The unresolved murder of PPF Press Freedom Hero 2023, Arshad Sharif, underscores the urgent need for a credible, transparent, and time-bound conclusion to investigations into the murders of journalists, particularly in high-profile cases with cross-border dimensions. Pakistani authorities must ensure full cooperation with Kenyan counterparts, finalize mutual legal assistance processes, and make public the complete findings of the Special Joint Investigation Team to restore public confidence. The continued absence of arrests or indictments years after a judicial finding that the killing was unlawful reinforces a dangerous message that even the most prominent journalists can be killed without consequence. Resolving the Arshad Sharif case is therefore essential not only for justice for his family, but also for signaling a genuine commitment to ending impunity for crimes against journalists.

• An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad, taking up the 2024 case involving absurd allegations of drug possession and terrorism from 2024 against senior journalist Matiullah Jan, can serve as a litmus test for the legal consequences that journalists are facing in Pakistan and must be closely observed.

On December 19, senior journalist Matiullah Jan filed an appeal in the Islamabad High Court challenging a trial court decision that upheld drug charges against him in an ongoing drug and terrorism case.

The appeal was submitted through Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq, contesting the Anti-Terrorism Court’s (ATC) order that declined to remove drug-related sections from the case. The petition requests that the ATC ruling be set aside and that the drug charges be withdrawn. In his filing, Jan stated that no video or CCTV evidence exists to substantiate the alleged drug seizure, noting that higher courts have held that video evidence is necessary in cases concerning drug recovery.

Two days before the appeal, the ATC had rejected Jan’s request to drop the drug charges. The same ruling is now being challenged before the IHC.

Earlier, on December 17, ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sapra reserved the verdict in the case after hearing arguments from both sides. During the proceedings, Barrister Ashfaq had sought the removal of drug charges, while the public prosecutor opposed the plea.

The case stems from an incident on November 26, 2024, when police attempted to arrest Jan in Islamabad’s Sector E-9. He is accused of resisting arrest, ramming his vehicle into a police checkpoint, and snatching an official weapon. The FIR, dated November 28, 2024, includes Section 9(2)4 of the Anti-Narcotics Control Act, alleging possession of 246 grams of crystal meth (ICE), and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

Following the incident, Jan was initially placed on physical remand. The Islamabad High Court later overturned that decision and ordered judicial remand.

On December 17, the Federal Constitutional Court was informed that the government submitted a detailed progress report on the investigation into the killing of senior anchorperson Arshad Sharif. The three-member bench hearing the case was told that the report outlines all steps taken so far, including the work of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), and sets out the planned course for completing the probe.

During the proceedings, the Additional Attorney General said the only remaining task for the JIT was to visit Kenya to review the crime scene and collect evidence, after which the investigation would be finalised. The court noted that the government had complied with its earlier directive to submit an updated report and adjourned the hearing until after the winter judicial vacation.

Earlier, on December 3, the Federal Constitutional Court questioned its authority to continue hearing the case under suo motu powers following amendments introduced through the 27th Amendment. During that hearing, the court also sought an update on the investigation into Sharif’s killing in Kenya in October 2022.

Arshad Sharif was shot dead in Kenya in October 2022, prompting continued calls for a transparent investigation into the circumstances of his death.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) expressed concern over the further blocking of government advertisements to the Dawn Media Group. The withholding of advertisements is an alarming tool the government has decided to use to strangle the media group financially. At a time of prevailing economic challenges to the media, such a tactic is a dangerous targeted tool to cut off the media outlet economically. 

In March of this year, it was reported that the federal, Punjab, and Sindh governments’ had decided to stop providing advertisements to Dawn, Pakistan’s leading English newspaper.

On December 12, the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) strongly condemned the block on ads to Dawn TV and Dawn Radio, following the block on ads to newspapers of the Dawn Media Group. CPNE stated that imposing a ban on government advertising on Dawn was tantamount to weakening it economically.

In their joint statement, CPNE President and General Secretary said Dawn Media Group has been providing impartial information since the inception of Pakistan. Initially, its newspaper advertisements were banned and now Dawn Media Group’s electronic platforms have also been deprived of government advertisements. They demanded that the government immediately lift the block on ads to Dawn.

In a statement, the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) said that for the past 13 months the Dawn newspaper had seen the curtailment of ads and now the television channel and radio station was also being denied government advertising. According to APNS, this was to “force the media group to change its editorial policy,” and as government ads are paid through the public exchequer, they shouldn’t be used as a “tool to strangle the dissenting voices.” APNS expressed solidarity with the Dawn Media Group and urged the governments (federal and provincial) to “review their unconstitutional decision” and restore ads.

The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) urged the government to withdraw the ad ban “in the interest of free and responsible journalism.”

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) also condemned the ban on government advertisements to the Dawn Media Group, terming it an “attack on press freedom” and “an attempt to control media and stifle free expression.” In a joint statement issued on December 14, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari said the decision was aimed at financially crippling a respected media outlet and forcing it to change its editorial policy, which they described as unacceptable. Emphasizing Dawn’s legacy, the PFUJ noted that the newspaper was founded by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and is respected globally for its unbiased reporting, and urged the government to immediately withdraw the ban in the interest of “free and responsible journalism.”

On December 9, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) adjourned the hearing on an acquittal plea filed by journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving allegations of drugs possession and weapon snatching, due to the non-appearance of the defence counsel.

The hearing was scheduled before ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, who was set to hear arguments on the acquittal plea. However, proceedings could not move forward as the defence lawyer failed to appear in court. As a result, the court postponed the hearing until December 13 and directed both the prosecution and defence to present their arguments on the next date.

During the hearing, the journalist also sought a one-time exemption from personal attendance. The court noted the absence of defence arguments and formally adjourned the case.

A First Information Report (FIR), dated November 28, 2024, was registered against Jan, accusing him of terrorism and narcotics possession. The charges include alleged possession of 246 grams of crystal meth (ICE) and threatening police officers at a checkpoint in Islamabad. The FIR further alleged that Jan attempted to ram his vehicle into a police barricade and assaulted a constable. These accusations have been widely criticized as fabricated.

During the session, headed by Justice Aamer Farooq and including Justice Rozi Khan, the court deliberated over whether it still possesses the jurisdiction to proceed with suo motu actions after the amendment, which requires a valid application for such powers to be activated. The judges called for legal assistance from the counsels of both parties to clarify this point in the next hearing scheduled for December 17.

Sharif was shot in the head in October 2022 when Kenyan police opened fire on his vehicle. He had left Pakistan in August 2022 after multiple sedition cases were registered against him in various cities.

The suo motu case was initially taken by a Supreme Court bench, seeking an independent and transparent investigation into his murder.

Furthermore, the court heard from Advocate Imran Shafique, representing Sharif’s first wife, who argued that precedents exist allowing the FCC to proceed with suo motu cases. He mentioned that over 5000 letters had been sent to the Supreme Court following Sharif’s death, which could constitute a plea.

Additional Attorney General Chaudhry Aamer Rehman informed the court that a legal assistance agreement had been reached with the Kenyan government, and a request for a Special Joint Investigation Team’s visit to the crime scene had been made. The court also discussed the progress of the investigation in Kenya, noting that while the Kenyan High Court had implicated police officers in the murder, prosecution had not yet commenced, and those officers had instead been promoted.

The hearing was adjourned until after the winter vacations.

According to Dawn, the NCCIA had produced Barkat before the judicial magistrate and sought a 30-day physical remand. Four-day remand was granted. Additionally, Magistrate Naeem Wattoo, in his order, said that Barkat had been arrested in a First Information Report (FIR) registered on August 5, and in an inquiry against him, the report stated, adding that Barkat had been declared a proclaimed offender.

“Therefore, it cannot be said that this case was registered for justifying his arrest on alleged offloading,” Dawn quoted the magistrate.

A criminal complaint was registered on August 5 at the NCCIA Police Station in Lahore. The complaint was filed by Asif Hussain, Sub-Inspector, NCCIA, Lahore, against Barkat and Sanam Javaid, a PTI activist. The charges were registered under Sections 9, 10, 20, and 26-A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, read with Section 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). 

According to the FIR, in relation to an enquiry registered on May 27, 2025, during “cyber patrolling” regarding “spreading misinformation within Pakistan society.”  In the accounts cited was an interview with Sanam Javaid on Siasat.pk, which, per the FIR, was “operated” by Barkat. 

According to the FIR, by uploading the interview on his channel, Barkat had caused fear in the public. It stated that during the inquiry, Barkat and Javaid were found “spreading disinformation to incite violence, and to create a sense of fear, panic and insecurity in the general public […]”

In a Facebook post by Siasat.pk, his counsel, Barrister Saad Rasool, detailed in a video that Barkat was arrested by the Federal Investigations Agency (FIA) “unlawfully” while he was traveling abroad to attend an international United Nations conference on climate change for the continuation of his MPhil. 

According to Rasool, when Barkat received the invitation to attend the conference, they found out that his name had been placed on the Provincial National Identification List (PNIL), a list that bars individuals from leaving the country by the FIA. They did not know the reason for this placement. Attempts to obtain clarification from the FIA were met with no response, Rasool said.

Consequently, a writ petition was filed with the Islamabad High Court requesting that the court direct the FIA to disclose the grounds for including his name on the PNIL and to reveal any investigation or legal proceedings against him. When the IHC called for the FIA’s response, it was revealed that Barkat’s inclusion on the PNIL had been unlawful — no proper legal procedure had been followed — leading the court to order the removal of his name from the list and to permit him to attend the conference and then return to Pakistan.

Rasool shared that despite the court’s order, the FIA failed to comply and remove the name from the PNIL. A contempt petition was then filed with the Islamabad High Court, prompting the FIA on November 24, an official letter by the FIA was submitted to the court stating that the order had been complied with, that Barkat was not on any PNIL or similar list preventing his departure, and that no proceedings against him remained pending with the FIA.

Following this, the IHC disposed of contempt proceedings, and Barkat was permitted to attend the conference. Barkat proceeded to Islamabad, with the court order and FIA letter, where FIA officials present there nevertheless informed him that his name still appeared on their internal system as being on the PNIL. When the court’s certified copy and the FIA’s confirmation letter were presented, the officials acknowledged the documents; however, they stated that because the name had not been updated in their system, they would not permit him to travel and would instead place him under arrest.

In a post on X, Siasat.pk CEO Adeel Habib offered an acknowledgment of Barkat’s integrity and loyalty to the organization, recalling that he declined multiple lucrative job offers and even volunteered to work without pay during difficult times for the platform. 

Speaking to PPF, Habib said that Barkat was arrested in a “baseless case.” He claims that the FIR was filed without any substantial evidence, as Barkat had only conducted an interview with Sanam Javaid, and the statement in the FIR is also attributed to Sanam Javaid, with no personal involvement or statement from Barkat himself.

On November 25, the Senate of Pakistan approved a motion to send the Journalists and Media Professionals Protection Bill 2025 to a joint sitting of Parliament after the National Assembly did not act on the legislation within the required timeframe.

During the session, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla moved the motion, informing the House that the Senate had already passed the bill and forwarded it to the National Assembly for approval. The lower house did not take up the legislation within the 90-day period set under parliamentary rules.

According to these rules, a bill may be referred to a joint session if the National Assembly does not consider it within the stipulated time. Following the presentation of the motion, the Senate voted in favor of sending the bill to the joint sitting for final approval.

The bill proposes a legal framework for the safety and rights of journalists and media professionals.

On November 25, the Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (CPJMP) held its inaugural meeting in Islamabad under the chairpersonship of Kamaluddin Tipu, formally beginning its mandated work to address complaints and strengthen protections for media workers across Pakistan.

The commission approved a formal mechanism for handling complaints from journalists and media professionals. A committee has been established to draft the commission’s rules and regulations. Additional committees were also constituted to develop training plans, welfare and insurance frameworks, and activity plans.

During the meeting, members were introduced, representing government institutions, media stakeholders, and civil society. Participants reviewed key provisions of the PJMP Act 2021, proposed amendments, a draft budget, and the operational plan for making the commission fully functional.

The commission decided to introduce digitalization measures, including the launch of a dedicated web portal to streamline processes and offer training opportunities. It also agreed to organize workshops and seminars for capacity-building of journalists and media workers.

Recommendations were shared on strengthening coordination with provincial bodies, improving rapid response mechanisms, and ensuring regular engagement with journalist unions and media houses.

The chairperson emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the commission as outlined in the PJMP Act 2021 and noted the need for timely implementation of decisions. The commission reiterated its aim to ensure independence in matters related to journalists’ safety, welfare, and professional environment.

The meeting was attended by the Principal Information Officer, the Director General of the Human Rights Commission, and representatives of journalist organizations, including Nawaz Raza, Khalil Ahmed, Tahir Hassan, Naveed Akbar, Hassan Abbas, Tamsela Qureshi, and Nadia Saboohi.

The newly empowered Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has scheduled a hearing for December 3 to consider a request for an independent investigation into the 2022 killing of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya.

Sharif was shot in the head in October 2022 when Kenyan police opened fire on his vehicle. He had left Pakistan in August 2022 after multiple sedition cases were registered against him in various cities.

According to the FCC cause list issued on November 28, notices have been sent to the attorney general, the inspector general of Islamabad Police, the foreign secretary and other respondents for the upcoming hearing. The matter will be taken up by a two-member bench comprising Justices Aamir Farooq and Rozi Khan Barrech, who will review the request for an “independent and transparent investigation” into the killing.

The case was initially taken up suo motu by a six-member Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan. After the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment and the establishment of the FCC, jurisdiction over constitutional and suo motu matters was transferred to the new court, shifting the case from the Supreme Court to the FCC.

In August last year, then–chief justice Qazi Faez Isa stated that the case had not been fixed before a five-judge larger bench because it did not involve constitutional interpretation. In July 2024, the Supreme Court referred the matter to the three-judge committee formed under the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, to re-fix the case before a five-judge bench, a development superseded by the FCC’s assumption of jurisdiction.

PPF urges the newly established Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals to immediately take notice of this incident and initiate a thorough review. PPF also calls on Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar to follow through on his commitment to take action against those responsible. Additionally, PPF stresses the need for social media platforms to enforce stronger policies on synthetic media and prevent their misuse for targeted harassment.

The incident came to light on November 16, when Shah stated on X that an account followed by Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar had “made an AI video of me.” The video, posted by the account PakVocals, falsely claimed to be a “leaked video” of her “dancing in a club in London.” Reasserting her resolve in the face of harassment, she wrote, “But as we’ve said before, we’ll say it again: #AttacksWontSilenceUS.”

Responding publicly, Minister Tarar described the act as “totally unacceptable and highly condemnable” and added, “Nobody has the right to make fake videos and then disseminate them or try to harass any journalist by defaming them. I follow more than 1900 accounts. I do not condone the behaviour of this account and also assure you that action will be taken.”

Shah later said she appreciated the minister’s response but clarified that she would not pursue a case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) or through the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). She stated, “Doing so would lend legitimacy to a law and an institution that have been used to harass journalists, silence private citizens, and suppress dissent,” adding that if the government is serious about ensuring journalists’ safety, “they should scrap Peca and the NCCIA and begin a genuine consultation process to draft legislation that truly addresses journalists’ concerns.”

PPF reiterates that attacks on journalists—whether physical, digital, or AI-driven—are attacks on press freedom, and ensuring the safety and independence of media workers is essential for a democratic and informed society.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) welcomes the establishment of the much-delayed Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (CPJMP). PPF expresses hope that this long-awaited step will finally begin to address the safety threats faced by journalists and media professionals across Pakistan.

On June 18, the federal cabinet approved the appointment of Kamal Uddin Tipu as the Chairperson of the Commission. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House.

The Commission has been set up under Section 12 of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021. The Act was passed by the National Assembly on November 8, 2021, and by the Senate shortly after, and signed into law by the President on December 2, 2021.

However, the Commission mandated under the Act was not formed for more than three years.

Its establishment, following the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s notification, marks an overdue but important fulfilment of the law’s promise. PPF hopes that this long delay will now be followed by swift, decisive implementation.

According to PPF’s Impunity Day Report 2025, at least 137 attacks on journalists were documented between January and October 2025. These included 35 physical assaults, 5 detentions, 2 abductions, and 4 attacks on media property. Journalists also continued to face legal pressures, with 8 arrests, 30 cases registered—including 22 under PECA—and 23 actions from investigative and cybercrime agencies. The report further noted 19 incidents of intimidation and harassment. Between 2020 and 2025, six journalists were killed because of their work, while motives in several other killings remain inconclusive.

The 12-member independent commission comprising ex officio officials and representatives from journalist unions across the federal capital, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. Members of the Commission include:

• Nayyer Ali, Secretary, National Press Club
• Ghulam Nabi Yousafzai, Secretary, Press Association of the Supreme Court
• Naveed Akbar Chaudhary, Parliamentary Reporters Association of Pakistan
• Afzal Butt, President, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) – Barna Group
• Hassan Abbas, PFUJ (Barna–Rana Azeem Group)
• Nawaz Raza, PFUJ Dastoor Group
• Tahir Hassan Khan, Karachi Union of Journalists
• Tamsela Chishti, Punjab Union of Journalists
• Nadia Saboohi, Khyber Union of Journalists
• Khalil Ahmed, Balochistan Union of Journalists
• Ex officio members includes the Principal Information Officer/ Executive Director General from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Director General HR (Ex-Officio) from the Ministry of Human Rights.

A video circulating on social media shows anchorperson Shahzeb Khanzada being confronted in a public place by a man accusing him of reporting against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. The video, filmed in what appeared to be a clothing store, shows the man following Khanzada, who seemed to be accompanied by his family, telling him he should be “ashamed” of “what he has done against Imran” and Bushra Bibi. Khanzada did not respond and walked away.

The confrontation came two days after The Economist published an article examining Imran Khan’s marriage to Bushra Bibi and her alleged role in advising him during his tenure as prime minister. PTI dismissed the article as recycled propaganda. Soon after the video emerged, PTI’s Shahbaz Gill shared an old clip of Khanzada’s coverage of the Iddat case filed by Bushra Bibi’s former husband Khawar Maneka, which relates to the timing of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s marriage. Gill said, “This is the filth Shahzeb did,” and linked the harassment to what he described as a lack of earlier condemnation from journalists.

Khanzada later responded on X, saying Gill had lied about his reporting. He stated that he had been reporting court proceedings and added that his programme had previously highlighted Shahbaz Gill’s treatment during custody under treason-related charges. Khanzada said that “trolls” did not consider factual information “even if they go in favour of Imran Khan.”

Following the emergence of the video, political leaders, journalists and others expressed criticism of the confrontation. Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the behaviour reflected a “mob mentality” within PTI and indicated a lack of basic decency. Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar called the incident “highly condemnable” and said the state would seek to identify the man involved. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan termed the incident unfortunate and said he did not approve of such behaviour occurring abroad in the presence of Khanzada’s family.

Sindh Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said disagreements should be expressed within the limits of respect, adding that the incident did not affect Khanzada’s honour. MQM-P Senator Faisal Subzwari said the episode reflected negative trends that had taken root in politics over the past decade.

Journalists also criticised the confrontation. Waseem Abbasi termed it harassment, Ziauddin Yousafzai called it “disgusting and utterly condemnable,” and Asad Ali Toor described it as a “shameful campaign.” Matiullah Jan said political supporters should avoid harassing journalists. Faizan Lakhani said harassment in public spaces was unacceptable, and Asma Shirazi described the incident as targeted harassment.

On November 16, Shah wrote on X that an account followed by Tarar had “made an AI video of me.” The video was shared by an account called PakVocals, with a description falsely claiming it was a “leaked video” of Shah “dancing in a club in London.” She added, “But as we’ve said before, we’ll say it again: #AttacksWontSilenceUS.”

Responding to her post, Tarar said, “Totally unacceptable and highly condemnable. Notice taken, please.” He added, “Nobody has the right to make fake videos and then disseminate them or try to harass any journalist by defaming them. I follow more than 1900 accounts. I do not condone the behaviour of this account and also assure you that action will be taken.”

Shah later said she appreciated the minister’s response, stating, “I appreciate the information minister taking this matter seriously.” However, she said she did not wish to pursue a case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act through the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, explaining, “Doing so would lend legitimacy to a law and an institution that have been used to harass journalists, silence private citizens, and suppress dissent.” She added that if the government was serious about ensuring safety, “they should scrap Peca and the NCCIA and begin a genuine consultation process to draft legislation that truly addresses journalists’ concerns.”

Journalist Meher Bokhari, referring to the video and a separate incident involving another journalist, said, “This is not who we were meant to become,” and called for respect toward journalists. She noted that targeted individuals “have dedicated their lives to informing the public despite constant pressure” and stressed the importance of maintaining values and respect.

Police have foiled an alleged assassination attempt on DawnNewsTV journalist Tahir Naseer, arresting three suspects who were reportedly hired to kill him for Rs200,000. Investigating Officer (IO) Sub-Inspector Nabeel Haider confirmed the arrests on October 30, stating that the suspects had been surveilling the journalist’s house for three days before being apprehended.

According to the IO, the suspects received Rs99,000 in advance through a bank transfer, and one of them had procured weapons to carry out the attack. “Police arrested the three suspects and seized their vehicle and weapons from near Naseer’s house,” he said. “They were produced before the district magistrate, who rejected the request for physical remand and sent the suspects to jail on judicial remand instead.”

An FIR filed at Sadiqabad Police Station under Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) states that Naseer was alerted to the plot by his cousin, who informed him that suspicious men had been asking about him at a nearby bakery. “When I arrived at the tandoor, I saw a white car with three young men,” the journalist wrote in the FIR. “My cousin told me they had been asking about me and showing my picture. While they were asking around, they said their names were Ahmed, Akash and Vishal.”

Naseer told police that the motive behind the attempted attack was linked to a vlog he had published about a private investment company. He said he had also reported on the same issue for DawnNewsTV and had since faced threats through WhatsApp messages from international numbers. “I filed a case against them under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and the PPC,” the journalist stated.

Two years earlier, Naseer had reported an investigative report on a private investment Company alleging that the Karachi-based firm was involved in a fraudulent investment scheme promising unusually high returns. Naseer warned that the company’s offers resembled a Ponzi scheme and said his reports were intended to protect the public from financial scams.

Following the report, Naseer said he received threats and intimidation attempts from individuals linked to the company. He believes the recent assassination attempt is directly connected to his coverage of the firm’s activities.

Prominent journalist Omer Cheema expressed concern over the incident, stating that “hiring contract killers has become a disturbing trend in Punjab, often linked to overseas Pakistanis settling scores from abroad.” He called for strict government action to prevent such extrajudicial attempts and protect journalists working on sensitive investigations.

In response, Naseer thanked Cheema on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), noting that it had become increasingly difficult to speak the truth. He expressed disappointment that despite the arrests, the suspects were sent to judicial remand without police custody, citing their alleged influence. “I have evidence and CCTV footage, yet no serious action is being taken. Will the Counter Terrorism Department or the Chief Minister take notice?” he asked.

Despite repeated reminders and historic patterns of threats to media safety including documented violence and attacks on press freedom in Pakistan, journalists and media professionals continue directly facing consequences for their work and work within a media environment where, despite it being a Constitutional right, freedom of expression remains under attack.

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists provides an urgent reminder of the need to change course and to work towards building a safer environment for journalists and for the right to free expression to be protected. We must work towards implementing commitments that Pakistan has made  — both domestically and internationally — to protect this right and to move beyond lip service to actual measures and effective implementation of existing mechanisms that provide recourse in instances of attacks on journalists and can finally help in moving the needle toward reduced impunity for these crimes. 

Between January and October 2025, Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) documented at least 137 confirmed attacks on journalists and media professionals in connection with their work and attempts of censorship to regulate and restrict free expression including:

Assault and Violence:

• 35 instances of physical assault and manhandling, and 2 journalists injured in an accident while on assignment
• 5 detentions
• 2 instances of abduction
• 4 attacks on property including raids

Legal Challenges:

• 8 arrests
• 30 instances of case registration, including 22 with sections of Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) included
• 23 documented instances of legal action, including by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA)

Intimidation:

• 7 instances of threats issued including online threats/harassment
• 3 instances of threats of legal action
• 7 instances of harassment and intimidation including through a journalist’s family or through the rhetoric, remarks and actions of political leaders or the government
• 2 instances of placement on the No Fly List

Censorship, Restrictions and Regulation:

• 6 instances of mobile or internet service suspensions
• 1 Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) directive
• 1 court order to block 27 YouTube channels
• 1 restriction on reporting from outside Adiala Jail where the opposition leader is being held

This year documented incidents include those of direct targeting of media professionals through threats of and actual acts of physical violence as well as increasingly through legal channels such as notices, criminal complaints and arrests; the perpetuation of violence against the media by political party leaders and the government; the bulldozing the passage of restrictive legislation that undermines free expression and brazen attacks on property amongst others.

In Pakistan, journalists continue to face physical violence because of their work. In 2025, PPF has documented: at least 35 incidents of physical assault and manhandling, two journalists injured in an accident while reporting, five instances of journalists being detained, two abductions and four instances of attacks on property, including raids. These numbers tell the story of the safety of the media in the country. Along with legal measures, threats, and intimidation of journalists and media professionals also being documented, the continuation of physical violence the lack of preventive, protective, and prosecutorial measures in place to safeguard journalists as they do their work. 

In a year where Pakistan saw unprecedented flooding, journalists at the frontline covering these climate crises were also subject to violence. On August 30, Geo News reporter Irfanullah and cameraman Ali Arsalan were assaulted and forcibly removed by personnel of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) while covering residents impacted by floods in Faisalabad in the Punjab province. As climate change and its impacts intensify, with extreme weather events becoming increasingly likely, there is an urgent need to protect the safety of reporters covering such events. This should take the form of both appropriate training, risk assessments, and reporting plans for those in the field, as well as measures to counter the violence they have faced while reporting. 

In what has now appeared to become an unfortunate tactic are attempts to undermine the sanctity of physical spaces, including press clubs.  On March 1, police forcibly entered the Quetta Press Club (QPC) premises. On June 2, a group of men allegedly linked to one faction of the disputed custodians of the Luari Sharif shrine attacked the Badin Press Club. Even in the capital, Islamabad, the press club was not spared from such forms of violence. On October 2, police violently raided the National Press Club and assaulted journalists at the press club premises.

In 2025, PPF investigated at least eight instances of murder. However, upon investigation, the motive for six of the murders was found not to be in connection with the media professional’s work. Two murders — Abdul Latif Baloch and Imtiaz Mir — remain inconclusive, requiring further clarity on the motives behind them.

As a nation, Pakistan has appeared every year since 2008 on the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Global Impunity Index. In a country where those who murder and kill journalists get away scot-free, what hope can there be for accountability and action against those who attack journalists in other ways, including physical violence and issuing threats? 

While incidents of physical attacks and murders of journalists in connection to their work may have fallen in recent years, the increasing use of punitive measures to target journalists and silence the media is an alarming depiction of the lack of media safety and a free press in the country.

In 2025, at least 30 instances of criminal complaints (First Information Reports) have been registered against journalists and media professionals. Of the cases registered this year, at least 22 cases against journalists have been registered, including sections of PECA.  A section cited in many of the cases is the newly added Section 26-A, which introduced a punishment for fake or false information, yet was unclear how the intent of an individual sharing fake news would be established. 

PPF has documented at least eight arrests of journalists and media professionals in connection with their work.

In one such instance, on August 22, journalist Khalid Jamil was arrested by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). As per an FIR registered, Jamil was found sharing “highly intimidating content on social media.” 

Following Jamil’s arrest, the investigation officer in his case had requested physical remand for six days. A written order issued by Judicial Magistrate West in Islamabad stated that the remarks quoted in the FIR didn’t fall “within any ambit of propagation or derogation.” It noted that every citizen is guaranteed the right to free speech under the Constitution.

“There is no incriminating material against the above named accused person,” the order read, turning down the request for physical remand, discharging Jamil from the case, and ordering his release.

In another development just this month, it was reported that an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad would indict senior journalist Matiullah Jan on October 31 in a case involving allegations of drug possession and terrorism from 2024. During proceedings on October 31, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad issued a notice to the police regarding the provision of case documents.

It is worth reiterating that actual acts of physical violence, legal action and assault are often preceded by or supplemented by the issuance of threats and other forms of intimidation of media professionals. 

During 2025, PPF has documented at least 19 incidents of intimidation of journalists and media professionals. 

Digital threats include threats to women in the media which this year included instances of threats to senior female journalist Asma Shirazi and Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) co-chair and anchorperson at Aaj TV, Munizae Jahangir. This year on International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, UNESCO is focusing on raising awareness of AI-facilitated gender-based violence against women journalists. In past years, Pakistan has seen instances where women in the media had images and videos morphed and shared online. It is through such cases that the nature of attacks online on women journalists was found to take on a personal nature based on their character assassination. The threat of such attacks is only escalated with the increased adoption of AI. With the use of AI to generate images almost seamlessly, this trend of perpetuation of the harassment of women in the media may see an uptick in the near future.

UNESCO has called for “renewed action from all stakeholders to tackle these threats through the implementation of safety mechanisms, policy reform, dialogue and platform accountability, ensuring safer and more equitable online and offline environments for women journalists worldwide.” PPF reiterates this call.

In September, the National Assembly passed a resolution condemning the alleged verbal abuse of senior journalist Ijaz Ahmed by Pakistan Tehreek i Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. The incident reportedly occurred during a court hearing at Adiala Jail. According to Ahmed, Khan used abusive language when he posed a question during an interaction at the jail. The journalist also faced threats online.

In a bizarre and concerning development, harassment of the media also took the form of a federal government advertisement. An advertisement issued by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, published on October 1 and 2, posed the question: “Have you ever wondered what war looks like today?” The ad stated that the enemy’s bullets were no longer gunpowder; it was now information.

In the subtext, it went on to state that anti-state forces were at our doorsteps and the enemy was hiding behind the veil of technology. The ad then stated: “Sometimes disguised as a reporter, sometimes as an NGO worker or a freelancer that extracts sensitive information out of them […]”

This was a direct attack on journalists and NGOs as potential enemies and even brought doubt on the fundamental work that journalists do, i.e., providing information. It is such steps that sow the seeds for distrust in the media and perpetuate cycles of violence and threats to media professionals. It is worth reminding the Information Ministry that the right to information is a Constitutional right guaranteed to all citizens of Pakistan under Article 19-A. To label information as the “enemy’s bullet” is undermining a basic right of all citizens of this country. 

In an alarming development, which also showcased the intimidation of journalists, multiple journalists reported that their bank accounts had been frozen. At least two journalists were found to be placed on the No-Fly List in 2025. 

Meanwhile censorship of an already tamed media has continued. 

In a sweeping action, an Islamabad court ordered the blocking of 27 YouTube channels, operated by journalists, commentators, and political voices on allegations of spreading “provocative and derogatory contents against state institutions and officials of state of Pakistan.”  This order has been subsequently suspended for the channels in different proceedings.

Multiple incidents of suspension of mobile data/internet services have also been documented in 2025, however, comparatively much less than in 2024. In a positive development, the authorities reversed course on the blocking of X, formerly Twitter, that had been in place since February 2024. In May of this year, access to X was finally restored. 

Meanwhile, an alarming report by Amnesty International, in September, highlighted the surveillance capabilities of Pakistani authorities. 

To work towards developing a country where media safety is protected rather than attacked and the right to free expression is upheld, a stakeholder-wide approach to understanding and truly valuing the role of the media is required. Political leadership must move beyond lip service in support of the media and demonstrate this through their own conduct as well as party policies when in power and in the legislation they support and pass. 

Instead of bulldozing legislation such as this year, the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Amendment Act 2025, which raised alarm bells amongst journalists, the media and civil society for its potential misuse, the government and lawmakers should adopt a more proactive approach and engage with stakeholders ahead of such laws being passed.

Pakistan has the systems in place to support the protection of journalists and media professionals. Rather than remaining on paper, the media safety laws must be effectively implemented through their mandated commissions, with the progress of cases of attacks on journalists being monitored. Other provinces, aside from Sindh, must also work towards drafting and passing their media safety legislation. The federal media safety law and provincial level Sindh media safety law must also be actively implemented to change the current dismal track record for journalists’ safety.

Pakistan must not forget that the right to free expression is a right guaranteed in the Constitution. It is a right that the country has an obligation to fulfill under its international commitments, including the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Periodic Review. A commitment to implementing best practices under the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity is built into the Protection of Journalists and Other Media Professionals Act 2021, and thus must be followed.

Read the full report on here:  http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Impunity-Day-Report-2025.pdf

The Balochistan government has suspended mobile internet data services across Quetta district for 24 hours starting from midnight October 30, citing heightened security concerns. The suspension, affecting all mobile network operators in the region, was confirmed through an official notification issued late Thursday night.

The decision was recommended by the Balochistan Home Department and is aimed at maintaining law and order within the provincial capital. The government’s letter to the Ministry of Interior, dated October 30, outlined the necessity of the action due to “the peculiar law and order situation and threat perceptions” in the area.

This measure follows a similar suspension that occurred in August when mobile data services were halted for security reasons. However, on August 21, the Balochistan High Court ordered the resumption of these services after 16 days of disruption.

Officials emphasized that such suspensions are temporary and are solely intended to ensure public safety amid ongoing security threats.

On October 31, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad took action in a high-profile case involving senior journalist Matiullah Jan, issuing a notice to the police regarding the provision of case documents. The case, which includes charges of narcotics possession and terrorism, was registered at Margalla Police Station on November 28, 2024.

During the hearing, presided over by Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, attorney Mian Ali Ashfaq, representing Jan, submitted a power of attorney and argued that his client had been unfairly “portrayed as a terrorist.” The judge acknowledged the need to hear from the police and scheduled the next hearing for November 8.

Lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists President Afzal Butt, and other journalists were present during the proceedings.  This judicial action follows a prior hearing where Jan’s plea for acquittal was denied, and documents related to the case were provided to him. Numerous veteran journalists and rights advocates have called for the withdrawal of the charges against Jan, labeling them as unjust.

The charges stem from an incident reported by police on the night of November 26, 2024. According to the first information report (FIR) registered at Margalla Police Station, Jan’s car was stopped at a checkpoint in Sector E-9, where he allegedly resisted arrest, rammed into a police barrier, and snatched a rifle before being subdued. The FIR invokes Section 9(2)4 of the Control of Narcotic Substances Act (CNSA) for possessing 100 to 500 grams of crystal meth and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) for acts of terrorism.

Jan was arrested on November 27, 2024, and remanded to police custody. The Islamabad High Court later overturned that decision, transferring him to judicial custody. His defence counsels, Advocates Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chatha, subsequently secured his post-arrest bail.

In a letter to the Inspector General of Islamabad Police, Jan alleged abduction and torture prior to his arrest. He claimed that on November 27, 2024, he and fellow journalist Saqib Bashir were taken from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital parking area by men in police uniforms, blindfolded, and detained at an unknown location. Jan stated that a “bogus FIR” was later registered against him and that his colleague had submitted a sworn affidavit confirming their abduction.

Jan also referred to his earlier abduction in 2020, stating that such acts violated his constitutional and professional rights as well as the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021. He urged the Inspector General to appoint an impartial officer to investigate the case.

]]> http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/stakeholders-in-peshawar-call-for-stronger-rti-enforcement-and-passage-of-journalists-protection-bill/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stakeholders-in-peshawar-call-for-stronger-rti-enforcement-and-passage-of-journalists-protection-bill Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:26:53 +0000 https://pakistanpressfoundation.org/?p=113374 Continue reading "Stakeholders in Peshawar Call for Stronger RTI Enforcement and Passage of Journalists’ Protection Bill"

Urging the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to restore momentum on transparency, accountability, and media safety, journalists, lawmakers, and civil society leaders came together in Peshawar on October 18, to call for the immediate appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner, reforms to strengthen the Right to Information (RTI) Act, and swift passage of the long-pending journalists’ protection bill— similar to law already enacted at the federal level and provincial level in Sindh. The appeal was made during a one-day workshop and dialogue on Right to Information and Media Safety, organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), which brought together media professionals, members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly (MPAs), lawyers, and rights activists from across the province.

The workshop aimed to equip journalists with practical knowledge of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act 2013, empowering them to use it as a tool for accountability, good governance, and press freedom. Trainer and former RTI Commissioner Riaz Khan Dawoodzai led an extensive training session, describing the RTI as a “sunshine law” that transforms hidden government records into public knowledge. He traced the historical and global evolution of access-to-information laws, explained the constitutional foundation of Article 19-A, and detailed the processes of filing requests, appeals, and complaints under the KP RTI Act.

Dawoodzai stressed that “wherever a single rupee of public money is spent, citizens have the right to ask questions.” He highlighted RTI as a key pillar of transparency, merit, and anti-corruption, empowering citizens and journalists alike to hold public institutions accountable. Through interactive exercises, participants practiced drafting RTI requests, understanding exemptions, and identifying the proactive disclosure obligations of public bodies. Journalists described the training as highly practical and said it gave them the confidence to pursue data-driven and investigative stories with legal backing.

The session also revealed a strong desire among participants to extend awareness of RTI beyond the newsroom. Many argued that empowering citizens to use the law is essential for building a culture of public accountability and participatory governance. “This training made us realize that RTI is not just for journalists—it’s a citizens’ right that can change how government works,” one participant noted.

The dialogue session transformed the workshop’s technical learning into a platform for collective advocacy. Speakers from across the political and media landscape emphasized that while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s RTI law remains one of the most progressive in the world, its implementation has slowed due to administrative neglect and weak institutional support. MPA Shazia Tehmas said the current era of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) demands that “citizens and journalists alike must be trained to use information laws effectively,” but lamented that public awareness remains limited. Former MPA Nighat Orakzai recalled that she was the first woman legislator to introduce a journalist protection resolution in the KP Assembly, but regretted that “successive governments failed to pass the bill into law.”

Kashifuddin Syed, President of the Khyber Union of Journalists, criticized the government’s inaction, noting that the Chief Information Commissioner’s position has been vacant for months and that the Commission’s budget has not been revised for over a decade. “Without leadership and resources, the law cannot function as intended,” he said. Advocate Mauzam Butt of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stressed that Article 19-A of the Constitution guarantees every citizen’s right to know, adding that “we must enforce this law robustly so every journalist and citizen can speak truth safely.”

Arif Yousaf, former Law Advisor of PTI and MPA who oversaw the drafting of the KP RTI Act, noted that it was modeled on international best practices and reflected PTI’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Speakers and participants agreed on an urgent set of recommendations. They called for the immediate appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner and an increase in the budget of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commission (KPIC) to ensure it can fulfill its mandate. They urged that RTI implementation be expanded to district levels with greater inclusion of women, and that public bodies be compelled to proactively disclose information. Participants further demanded enhanced penalties for delays or denial of information, legal amendments to close procedural gaps, and the swift passage of the journalists’ protection bill, aligning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the legal protections already in force at the federal and Sindh provincial levels. Many also emphasized that regular RTI and data journalism training sessions should be organized to help journalists leverage digital and AI-based tools in investigative reporting.

The day ended on a hopeful note as participants pledged to use their newfound skills to promote transparency, accountability, and safe journalism across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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PPF notes that such targeted measures will have a chilling impact on Pakistan’s media even beyond individual journalists like Jan

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) is alarmed by reports indicating that veteran journalist Matiullah Jan is to be indicted on October 31 in a case against him on narcotics charges. In November 2024, Jan was charged with bizarre terrorism and narcotics charges. The charges levelled against Jan and the way in which he was picked up were alarming, and now, nearly a year later, Jan’s indictment is cause for serious concern. 

The targeted measures, particularly through legal measures such as case registration and court proceedings, against vocal voices from the media like Jan, are a dangerous tool that will have a chilling impact on the media, even beyond individual journalists. 

On the night of November 27, 2024, Jan was picked up from outside Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. It then emerged that a criminal complaint, First Information Report (FIR), had been registered in the early hours of November 28 at the Margalla Police Station in the capital by Sub Inspector (SI) Asif Ali under sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, Anti Terrorism Act, and the Control of Narcotics Substances Act. 

As per the FIR, the SI was on routine check on E-9 checkpoint on Margalla Road when around 2:15am, a speeding car came from the F-10 area. When they indicated to the car to stop, the driver tried to kill the constables and ran them over, in which one constable, Constable Mudassir, was injured. They tried to stop the car by throwing a plastic barrier in front of it, but the car hit it, broke it, and then stopped. The complainant mentioned that a driver came out from the car and forcefully took the government rifle from Constable Mudassir, pointed it towards them, and started to threaten to kill them. After that, the constables handled him and retrieved the rifle from him. As per the FIR, the driver was identified as Matiullah Jan, who they found was intoxicated. After checking his car in his presence, the FIR stated they found a white shopper under the driving seat, which carried white colored ICE drug (crystal methamphetamine). It was weighed to be 246 grams, from which one gram has been separated for a laboratory test. The rest have been taken into custody. Government rifles and broken barriers were also taken as proof.

Jan was presented before an anti-terrorism court on November 28, which granted two-day physical remand of the journalist. He was released after being granted bail by an Anti Terrorism Court in Islamabad on November 30 against a bond of Rs10,000.

Now, reports suggest that Jan is set to be indicted in the narcotics case on October 31. According to Dawn, an Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad handed over case documents to Jan on October 24.

In a post shared on X, Jan reacted: “After 30 years of journalism/Supreme Court reporting, education and being a British ⁦@CheveningAA⁩ scholar from City University London, I could never imagine how low could our police get 2 [to] defame me for reporting deaths from PIMS hospital on 27/11/24.”

Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili strongly condemned the “fabricated drug trafficking case” against Jan. “This is a cooked-up attempt to stop him from his journalistic duties. The government must ensure the safety and security of journalists.”

The Press Association of the Supreme Court also condemned it and demanded that the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Attorney General of Pakistan, and Federal Minister for Interior take immediate notice of the issue and dismiss the case.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed concern over Jan’s indictment.

On October 18, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) of Pakistan officially approved significant amendments to the Code of Conduct governing Supreme Court and High Court judges. These amendments, which were discussed and passed during a meeting chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, include strict restrictions on judges’ interactions with the media and participation in public or political debates.

The council’s meeting was attended by justices from various high courts. Justices Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Munib Akhtar participated virtually, while Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum and Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar were present in person.

Under the revised code, judges are now prohibited from engaging in any public controversy or media interactions, especially concerning political matters, even when legal issues are involved. This directive aims to preserve the judiciary’s impartiality and prevent any actions that could lead to public debate or affect institutional discipline and collegiality. According to the amendments, if judges face public allegations, they must report these in writing to a committee led by the Chief Justice and four senior Supreme Court judges for a formal institutional response.

Additionally, the amendments extend to social, cultural, and diplomatic engagements, with judges being instructed to abstain from presiding over or attending such functions. Any invitations from foreign or international bodies must now be channeled through the relevant chief justice, and judges are barred from accepting dinners or receptions hosted in their honor by individual members of the bar.

The code also emphasizes the need for judges to decide cases based on merit alone and to resist any internal or external influences. It requires judges to report any attempts to unduly influence them, with high court chief justices obligated to forward these reports to a three-judge committee for resolution within specified timeframes.

The amendments, which build on the existing code established in 1962 and last revised in 2009, are now to be officially published in the gazette and circulated among all superior court judges, reinforcing the standards expected of the judiciary to uphold justice and maintain public confidence.

On October 8, a delegation from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), headed by Central Information Secretary Nadeem Afzal Chan, visited the National Press Club (NPC) to express solidarity with journalists following a recent police raid. The delegation, which also included Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmed and Ayesha Nawaz Chaudhry, condemned the police actions as a direct attack on press freedom.

During their visit, the delegation met with leaders of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and NPC officials. They discussed the incident where Islamabad Police forcefully entered NPC, assaulting journalists and damaging equipment. The delegation described the police actions as a violation of democratic norms and the sanctity of the institution.

Nadeem Afzal Chan emphasized the historical alliance between journalism and politics, noting that journalists have upheld their professional dignity through challenging times. “Relationship between journalism and politics is inseparable, PPP has always respected journalists for upholding professional values even in the most difficult times, as many journalists have even sacrificed their lives in defense of truth and the sanctity of the pen,” Chan stated.

The delegation also voiced concerns over the gradual erosion of various freedoms in Pakistan, including press and civic rights. They stressed that a democratic society cannot function without an independent and fearless media. The PPP leaders pledged full support for the Charter of Demands presented by journalists to the Ministry of Interior, which includes a permanent ban on police entry into any press club across the country.

PFUJ President Afzal Butt highlighted the key demands, including the formation of a joint action committee with representatives from the Interior Ministry, Information Ministry, and elected media bodies to prevent future incidents. He also suggested incorporating legal protections for press clubs and journalists into relevant legislation.

NPC President Azhar Jatoi expressed gratitude towards the PPP delegation for their support, emphasizing that the National Press Club represents media professionals from across the nation. He affirmed the collective preparation of the Charter of Demands by all journalist groups, which was presented to the government.

PPP reaffirmed their commitment to defending press freedom and supporting the journalistic community in their struggle for democratic rights and fundamental freedoms. “The PPP stands firmly with the journalist community and supports their Charter of Demands,” Ayesha Nawaz Chaudhry asserted.

]]> http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/interior-minister-orders-inquiry-government-apologises-over-police-raid-on-national-press-club/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=interior-minister-orders-inquiry-government-apologises-over-police-raid-on-national-press-club Tue, 07 Oct 2025 08:03:32 +0000 https://pakistanpressfoundation.org/?p=113298 Continue reading "Interior Minister Orders Inquiry, Government Apologises Over Police Raid on National Press Club"

On October 2, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi ordered an inquiry into a police raid at the National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad, where several journalists were allegedly assaulted by police personnel. The incident drew widespread condemnation from journalist bodies, human rights groups, and political leaders, while the government later issued an apology and pledged action against those responsible.

Naqvi, in a statement, said he had taken notice of the “unfortunate” incident and demanded a report from the Islamabad inspector general of police. “Violence against the journalist community cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” he stated, directing disciplinary action against officials involved.

At a press conference held later at the NPC, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt said that journalists and press club office-bearers were “beaten and tortured” when they attempted to intervene during the police action. “They even arrested two people, who were later released,” he said, adding that cameras and mobile phones were broken during the assault. Butt announced that an “emergency session” of PFUJ would decide the journalists’ future course of action, warning that similar incidents could occur in other cities if left unaddressed.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, who attended the same press conference, condemned the incident and apologised on behalf of the government. “Please consider this when you hold your meeting,” he said, assuring that the government would meet journalists again after their consultations. His office later released a statement explaining that the incident occurred when police chased protesters from the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) who had allegedly manhandled officers. The statement confirmed that Chaudhry had ordered an internal inquiry.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also termed the incident “regrettable,” clarifying that Interior Minister Naqvi had not ordered the police to enter the press club. “The National Press Club is my home and I stand with it,” he said, adding that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted.

In a joint statement, the PFUJ, Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), and the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) condemned the raid as “terrorism” and demanded immediate action against those responsible. The statement described the incident as part of a continuing pattern of intimidation against journalists, citing recent “threatening advertisements” and misuse of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to suppress media freedom.

The Lahore Press Club also issued a condemnation, demanding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suspend and arrest the police officials involved, warning of nationwide protests if action was not taken.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also condemned the assault, calling for an “immediate inquiry” and punishment for those responsible. Prominent journalists including Hamid Mir, Syed Talat Hussain, and Matiullah Jan denounced the incident on social media, describing it as “shameful and condemnable.”

PTI lawmaker Junaid Akbar termed the raid “an attack on freedom of expression,” while veteran journalist Mazhar Abbas said it reminded him of the “days of military dictatorships.” Human rights defender Tahira Abdullah demanded the arrest and prosecution of the police officers involved, along with compensation for the damaged property and equipment.

Meanwhile, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui welcomed the decision to investigate but urged that it not be a “mere formality.” He stated, “The officials who are irresponsible and abusive should be identified and punished under the law.”

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On September 30, the Peshawar High Court temporarily suspended the implementation of notices issued by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to three journalists accused of sharing allegedly defamatory content against the Peshawar Commissioner.

The two-judge bench, comprising Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Dr. Khurshid Iqbal, issued the suspension while hearing a joint petition filed by Sajid Takkar, Zahir Shah Sherazi, and Anum Arshad. The court also directed the relevant authorities to submit a detailed response at the next hearing.

The petitioners argued that the NCCIA notices were vague and arbitrary, lacking specific allegations and thus violating their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, access to information, and fair trial under Article 10-A of the Constitution. During the court proceedings, representatives for the journalists, including Kashif Uddin, president of Khyber Union of Journalists, and senior journalist Amjid Ali Safi, contended that the notice was issued without clarity on the allegations or the specific content deemed offensive. They insisted that no details had been provided about the nature of the commissioner’s complaint, thereby violating their clients’ right to due process and a fair trial under Article 10-A of the Constitution.

The petitioners also requested that the court recognize their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, expression, and access to information, as guaranteed under Articles 19 and 19-A of the Constitution. They sought assurances that any actions taken against them would adhere strictly to lawful procedures and respect their fundamental rights under various constitutional articles.

The court’s decision to suspend the notice follows a precedent where similar notices issued to other individuals were also put on hold. The bench has scheduled a subsequent hearing to further address this issue, where the authorities are expected to provide a comprehensive justification for the issuance of the initial notice.

The NCCIA had earlier summoned five journalists—Sajid Takkar, Salman Yusufzai, Aqeel Yusufzai, Zahir Shah Sherazi, and Anam Malik—following a complaint by the commissioner’s office alleging a “coordinated smear campaign” against him on social media. The agency warned that non-compliance could result in ex parte action or seizure of property and social media accounts.

The KhUJ condemned the move as an attempt to curb press freedom, asserting that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 is increasingly being used to intimidate journalists. Amendments made in January 2025 introduced harsher penalties—up to three years in prison or a Rs 2 million fine—for spreading so-called “fake news.”

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) is alarmed and outraged over the violent raid by police into the National Press Club in Islamabad and the assault on journalists at the press club premises. The incident was an attack on the sanctity and autonomy of the press club in Pakistan’s federal capital. It is entirely unacceptable, and the police must work towards protecting media professionals rather than becoming the source of their intimidation and assault.

PPF calls for the Islamabad Police officials to be held responsible so that such a brazen attack on the media does not happen again.

Footage shared on social media and by media outlets showed police manhandling, pushing, and shoving journalists inside the press club premises.

On October 2, a demonstration was held outside the press club in support of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, during which police had assaulted protestors. According to Dawn, police officials entered the press club and attacked journalists in an attempt to nab some protestors who had taken refuge in the press club premises.

Journalists were documenting the events, and the police tried to stop them by snatching their cameras and phones, The News reported. When some journalists asked the police to stop manhandling journalists, the police forced open the press club doors, including climbing the walls to enter. As per the report, the police continued attacking them, including throwing cameras to the ground and assaulting media professionals.

Police also entered the press club’s kitchen, breaking crockery and detaining two press club employees for a short period. Two photographers and three press club staff members were injured, Express Tribune reported.

Speaking to PPF, Daily Khabrain reporter Adil Abbas shared that he was in the press club cafe with his colleague Raja Rukhsar. Abbas said he suffered head injuries, while Rukhsar was also severely beaten and injured.

Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists President Tariq Virk spoke to PPF and shared that two separate protests were held outside the National Press Club — one in support of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, and the other concerning Palestine and the arrest of former senator Mushtaq Ahmed and others onboard the Global Sumud Flotilla. The citizens were peacefully protesting, and journalists were present to cover the event at the press club, Virk shared. However, the police arrived and started charging batons at the protesters, breaching the press club premises and assaulting journalists inside. Virk added that the police brutally beat one of the press club office staff, Rashid, and many camerapersons were mistreated, resulting in damaged cameras. Following the incident, the journalists held a rally demanding justice and an inquiry.

The attack on the press club has been widely condemned.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) issued a statement announcing that October 3 would be declared a “black day.” PFUJ President Afzal Butt and General Secretary Arshad Ansari said that the Islamabad Police’s action of violating the sanctity of the press club was akin to an attack on all journalists in Pakistan.

In a joint press release, the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), PFUJ, and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) strongly condemned the incident. They termed it an “act of terrorism,” urging the government to take action against those responsible.

Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili condemned the incident and said that the act demands full accountability.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has ordered an inquiry into the raid, and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry visited the press club and apologized for the police incursion.

On September 29, the National Assembly of Pakistan passed a resolution condemning the alleged verbal abuse of senior journalist Ijaz Ahmed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. The incident reportedly occurred during a court hearing at Adiala Jail, leading to significant backlash from journalist associations and political figures alike.

The Parliamentary Reporters Association of Pakistan (PRA) initiated a mass walkout from the National Assembly session in protest of the alleged mistreatment of Ahmed. According to Ahmed, Imran Khan used abusive language when he posed a question during an interaction at the jail. The PRA’s Election Committee, headed by Chairman Tariq Sameer, formally requested the walkout, and a written complaint was submitted to the National Assembly Speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) reiterates the need for political parties to enforce a code of conduct for engaging with media professionals to prevent violence against journalists. Such codes of conduct should be implemented by top-level party leadership who can set the tone for engagements with the media and emphasize their committment to press freedom and media safety.

In response to the protest, Speaker Sadiq directed Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar to address the issue with the PRA. Tarar acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, stating: “It is the job of reporters and journalists to criticise us and show us our reflection in the mirror. We should take this criticism to heart and not silence or attack them.” He further emphasized the need for democratic behavior within the House, urging members to respect differing opinions.

The resolution passed by the National Assembly condemned both the inappropriate language used against Ahmed and the subsequent social media threats he faced. It called for the provision of security to Ahmed and urged the Cybercrime Wing to act against those responsible for the online threats. PTI legislators, however, opposed the resolution, with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressing the party’s respect for the media’s role in public discourse.

Shazia Marri of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) described Ahmed as a journalist with a commendable record of professional ethics. “We may have differences of opinion, but in terms of his reporting and ethics, he is commendable,” Marri stated. She condemned the online harassment campaign targeting Ahmed, stressing the importance of press freedom and the safety of journalists.

The National Press Club (NPC) also issued a statement condemning the alleged misbehavior, calling it an attack on press freedom and demanding an apology from the PTI leadership. NPC President Azhar Jatoi and other officials reiterated their stance on maintaining the dignity and independence of journalism in Pakistan.

Ejaz Ahmed later addressed the National Assembly, recounting his visit to Adiala Jail at the speaker’s request and detailing his interaction with Imran Khan. He mentioned Khan’s demands for a resolution regarding the absence of PTI members in an opposition delegation.

Earlier this month, Bol News reporter Tayyab Baloch faced a violent attack outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi during a media talk by Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister. Other journalists present, including GNN’s Ijaz Ahmed and News One Faisal Hakeem, attempted to save him but were also attacked.

Mobile and internet services across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have remained suspended since September 28, with the blackout expected to continue until at least October 4, amid mounting political unrest.

The disruption follows violent clashes during a protest called by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), which has long pressed authorities to meet its charter of demands. The demonstration, initially declared peaceful, turned violent when rival groups confronted each other, leaving at least one person dead and several others — including a police officer — injured. Each side has since blamed the other for inciting unrest.