Some 11 journalists faced a spectrum of 11 different threats, including three legal actions, threat to murder, arrest, threats of harm, and others.
These cases were categorised as follow:
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Assault resulting in injury
Threat to murder
Attempt to Murder (survived assassination attempt)
Digital Threats (harassment, trolling, abuse, defamation/disinformation)
Arrest (based on case/FIR/formal accusation)
Detention (based on suspicion/without formal case)
These cases were reported through Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network, a program FN is managing since 2016. In collaboration with seven largest press clubs — Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Quetta, Islamabad, Peshawar, Gilgit and Muzaffarabad. The program monitors and documents violations against media, its practitioners and media workers while providing essential support to journalists at risks.
Threat of Legal Action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Qaiser Mehmood, Chief Editor, Charsadda News
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 18 November 2025, two FIRs were registered against Qaiser Mehmood, Chief Editor of local newspaper Charsadda News, at the City Police Station in Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The legal action followed the newspaper’s reporting on alleged excessive and unannounced load-shedding by WAPDA in the district. Shortly after the publication of the reports, authorities accused Qaiser Mehmood of meter-tampering, a charge, he says, was filed in retaliation for exposing power-related irregularities affecting Charsadda residents.
Threat Developments:
Qaiser Mehmood has rejected the allegations as fabricated and motivated, asserting that the FIRs are an attempt to silence critical reporting on public service issues. The case reflects a broader pattern of state-linked legal pressure on local journalists who highlight governance and utility failures.
Detention (based on suspicion/without formal case)
Journalist: Hasnain Akhlaq, Special Correspondent, Seven News, Lahore
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 30 October 2025, Seven News Special Correspondent Hasnain Akhlaq was unlawfully detained for three hours at the Shad Bagh Police Station in Lahore. The journalist had recently aired reports alleging illegal commercial plaza construction in the Shad Bagh area, reportedly involving Lahore Development Authority (LDA) officials. Despite the coverage, construction continued, prompting Akhlaq to revisit the site to record additional footage. Upon arrival, he was allegedly threatened at gunpoint, taken to the police station, and detained. Hasnain Akhlaq stated that instead of responding to his emergency call to helpline 15, police officials threatened to register a PECA case against him. He termed the incident “retaliation by police against a journalist performing his professional duties.”
Threat Developments:
Hasnain Akhlaq has demanded disciplinary action against the responsible police personnel. General Secretary Qamar-uz-Zaman Bhatti of Punjab Union of Journalists noted that police were not authorized to register PECA cases, which fall under FIA jurisdiction, and urged the Punjab government to intervene. Akhlaq also reported that the concerned SP called him for a meeting to present his version of the incident.
Digital Threats (harassment, trolling, abuse, defamation/disinformation)
Journalist: Benazir Shah, Analyst & Fact Check Editor; Geo News, Lahore
Threat Actor: Unknown group
Incident Summary:
On 16 November 2025, Geo News analyst and Fact Check editor Benazir Shah faced a coordinated digital attack when an account named “PakVocals” posted an AI-generated fake video falsely claiming to show a “leaked video” of her. Benazir Shah highlighted the incident on her X account noting that the account was followed by Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and condemned the act as a targeted effort to harass and defame her. Shah reiterated her stance against intimidation, stating: “#AttacksWontSilenceUs.”
Following her post, Information Minister Tarar publicly denounced the act as “totally unacceptable and highly condemnable,” assuring that action would be taken and clarifying that he did not endorse the behaviour of the account.
Threat Developments:
Benazir Shah acknowledged the minister’s prompt response but emphasized that she would not pursue action under PECA or through the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), noting that these mechanisms have historically been used to suppress journalists and dissenting citizens. She urged the government to scrap PECA and the NCCIA, and instead initiate a transparent legislative reform process to ensure real protection for journalists and citizens against digital harassment and disinformation.
Attempt to Murder (survived assassination attempt)
Journalist: Tahir Naseer, Reporter; DawnNews TV, Rawalpindi
Threat Actor: Criminal gang
Incident Summary:
On 31 October 2025, police in Rawalpindi foiled an alleged assassination attempt against DawnNewsTV reporter Tahir Naseer, arresting three suspects who were reportedly hired for Rs 200,000 to murder the journalist. Investigating Officer Sub-Inspector Nabeel Haider confirmed that the men had conducted surveillance of Naseer’s home for three days and had already received Rs 99,000 via bank transfer as advance payment. Police recovered weapons and a vehicle near the journalist’s residence.
An earlier FIR, registered at Sadiqabad Police Station on 29 October, stated that Tahir Naseer learned of the conspiracy after his cousin spotted suspicious individuals asking about him at a local bakery. According to the FIR, the murder attempt was linked to Naseer’s previous reporting for DawnNews and a vlog on a private investment company, MAG-Vanturge, which he had exposed for allegedly operating a Ponzi-style scheme. Naseer also reported receiving threatening calls from international numbers prior to the incident.
Threat Developments:
The suspects were presented before a magistrate, who rejected police requests for physical remand and instead sent them to judicial custody. According to Naseer, the accused were later released on bail, though the case remains ongoing in court. The incident underscores the serious risks faced by journalists investigating financial scams and corporate misconduct.
Arrest (based on case/FIR/formal accusation)
Journalist: Sohrab Barkat, Journalist & YouTuber; Siasat.pk, Islamabad
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 27 November 2025, journalist and YouTuber Sohrab Barkat was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) at Islamabad International Airport while attempting to travel to an international conference, despite a clear Islamabad High Court (IHC) order directing authorities to remove his name from the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL) by 31 October. Sohrab Barkat had previously approached the IHC after being stopped from travel due to PNIL restrictions, and during contempt proceedings on 24 November, FIA officials told the court that his name had already been cleared. However, airport authorities again intercepted and detained him, raising concerns about the disconnect between judicial orders and enforcement on the ground. He was subsequently transferred to Lahore.
On 29 November, Sohrab was presented before a judicial magistrate, where the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) sought a 30-day physical remand, accusing him of “spreading misinformation about state institutions.” Investigators claimed they needed his physical custody to access his social media accounts and complete the inquiry.
Threat Developments:
Sohrab Barkat’s lawyer maintained that the arrest was unlawful, noting that FIA had previously told the Islamabad High Court no case was registered and that he was travelling to a UN conference when detained. He also pointed out a 24-hour delay in producing him before court and argued that the allegedly offensive remarks were made by a guest, not Barkat himself. The magistrate, however, noted that Barkat had been named in an FIR filed on 5 August and declared a proclaimed offender, and granted a four-day physical remand. The incident has heightened concerns about misuse of cybercrime laws and non-compliance with court orders in cases involving journalists.
Assault Resulting in Injury
Journalist: Qasim Munir, Crime Reporter, Daily Inkshaf, Rawalpindi
Threat Actor: Criminal gangs
Incident Summary:
On 7 November 2025, crime reporter Qasim Munir was abducted, tortured, and left critically injured after publishing reports on an alleged land-grabbing mafia. According to the FIR filed at Karpa Police Station, Islamabad. Qasim Munir was travelling toward Loi Bher when he noticed suspicious individuals following him. He was intercepted, forcibly taken into another vehicle, and transported to a nearby forested area. The complaint states that 7–9 attackers beat him with iron rods and sticks, repeatedly threatening him and warning that he was being punished for exposing land mafia activities. The assault rendered him unconscious before the perpetrators fled, abandoning him in the forest. Despite severe injuries, Qasim managed to obtain help and filed an online complaint, later formally recorded by ASI Shafiq-ur-Rehman. Police subsequently registered a case under Sections 148, 149, 365, and 506 of the Pakistan Penal Code, covering kidnapping, unlawful assembly, and criminal intimidation.
Threat Developments:
Police launched an investigation and arrested one suspect allegedly linked to the attack, while efforts continue to identify the remaining assailants. The Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) strongly condemned the kidnapping and assault, demanded immediate arrests of all perpetrators, and called for urgent protection measures for reporters exposing organized criminal activities.
Assault resulting in injury
Journalist: Farooq Chaudhry; Bureau Chief of Sach News, Rahim Yar Khan
Threat Actor: Non-state actor
Incident Summary:
On 13 November 2025 Farooq Chaudhry, was violently assaulted by members of the land-grabber group while covering an attempted land grab in the jurisdiction of Iqbalabad Police Station, Rahim Yar Khan, the attack caused severe injuries, including broken teeth and facial injuries. An FIR was registered following the assault.
Threat Developments:
The Rahim Yar Khan Press Club, South Punjab Union of Journalists, and District Press Club condemned the attack, demanding immediate action and impartial investigation by police. Authorities have included appropriate sections in the FIR, and journalist advocacy groups continue to monitor the case to ensure the accused are brought to justice.
Threat to murder
Journalist: Sardar Awais, Chief Crime Reporter, Daily Shahdab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Threat Actor: Non-state actor
Incident Summary:
On 8 November 2025, Sardar Awais reporter from Bagh, Azad Kashmir aired a program on his official Facebook page exposing alleged corruption by Khasta Khan Afghani, who is also accused of holding a fake Pakistani ID card under the name Shaista Gul. The same night, he received serious death threats from an Iranian WhatsApp number, warning him to delete the program immediately or face death. While returning home, Awais noticed a white car without a number plate parked suspiciously, and acquaintances later informed him that Khasta Khan and his brother Khushal Khan were seen near the Halan intersection, apparently monitoring him. Upon reaching home, he received another threatening call from the same number, claiming they were near his house and would harm his family if the program was not deleted. The journalist stated that this group has previously caused him trouble, and the current situation poses a serious threat to his life and property.
Threat Developments:
Journalist associations and civil society groups have highlighted the case as an example of threats targeting journalists for their investigative reporting. The incident underscores the risks faced by journalists exposing corruption and emphasizes the need for protective measures to safeguard media practitioners from retaliatory threats.
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Journalist: Fayaz Zafar, Reporter; Daily Mashriq
Threat Actor: Political parties
Incident Summary:
On 25 November 2025, Fayaz Zafar, a reporter from Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, faced threats to his safety after being labeled a “kafir” (infidel). On 24 November, Fayaz Zafar had shared a cultural show held at Iqra University on his Facebook page, which prompted backlash in online comments. The following day, during the Peace March in Swat, members of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) publicly called him a kafir on stage, heightening the risk to his personal safety. The incident is considered a threat of harm aimed at intimidating the journalist due to his public engagement and social media activity.
Threat Developments:
Media advocacy groups condemned the targeting of Fayaz Zafar, emphasizing the risks posed by public shaming and intimidation by political or religious actors. The incident highlights ongoing threats to journalists covering cultural and social events in conservative regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Threat of legal action
Journalist: Iqbal Salik, Freelance Journalist; Skardu
Threat Actor: Non-state actor
Incident Summary:
On 16 November 2025, Iqbal Salik, a freelance journalist from Skardu, shared a post on his Facebook account (Iqbal Sali) reporting on a patient’s condition based on statements from the patient’s family. The post alleged that the attending surgeon had performed a “wrong operation,” which resulted in the patient’s deteriorating condition, and noted that the family had lodged a complaint regarding the incident. The post quickly went viral within the district, sparking public debate. Following this, a legal notice was issued against Iqbal Salik, and a request for an FIR was submitted at the City Police Station.
Threat Developments:
The case highlights the increasing use of legal notices and FIRs to intimidate journalists reporting on sensitive public interest issues. Media advocacy groups are expected to monitor the situation to ensure protection of the journalist’s right to report factual accounts.
Threats, Attacks, and Harassment against Various Types of Media:
Five television media, four print media, one freelance, and one digital media journalist received threats during November 2025.
Threat Actors:
In three cases, state authorities were believed to be involved, while non-state actors were implicated in four cases, political parties in one case, criminal gangs in two cases, and unknown actors in one case.
