Journalists Assaulted,Harassed and Abducted Across Punjab in July 2025
FN Threat Data Analysis – July 2025
Fourteen cases of different threat categories were recorded against journalists across Pakistan during July 2025, including assault without injury, digital threats, kidnapping and other. Most incidents were reported from Punjab province.
These cases were categorized as follows:
Actual Legal Action (Defamation, FIR, Charges Filed)
Threat of Harm (Verbal/Non-Murder Related)
Digital threats (harassment, trolling, abuse, defamation/disinformation, hate speech, etc.)
Disappearance
Arrest (Based on Case/FIR/Formal Accusation)
Assault without injury (manhandling etc.)
Kidnapping
These incidents were reported through Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network, a program FN is managing since 2016. In collaboration with the seven largest press clubs — Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Quetta, Islamabad, Peshawar and Gilgit — the program monitors and documents violations against media, its practitioners and media workers while providing essential support to journalists at risks.
Actual Legal Action
Journalist: Journalist: Hafiz Khalil ur Rehman, Barwaqt News
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On July 23, 2025, a local journalist was named in an FIR registered by the Assistant Commissioner of Kot Radha Kishan, alongside two former Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) employees. The charges were filed under Sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 186 (obstructing a public servant), and 25-D of the Telegraph Act, following an alleged confrontation. According to the FIR, a “secret recording” was made of the Assistant Commissioner without permission. However, no evidence of this claim was provided. The journalist was reportedly only present at the scene and did not engage in any criminal activity, raising questions about the justification for his inclusion in the case.
Threat Developments:
Legal experts and press freedom advocates have expressed concern about the vague nature of the charges, citing administrative overreach and lack of evidence. The alleged secret recording, which triggered the case, has not been supported with technical or forensic verification. Moreover, experts argue that if the recording were to be considered a legal issue, it would fall under PECA 2016, which has its own procedural requirements. The case has raised alarms over misuse of legal provisions to intimidate or silence journalists who witness or document administrative actions.
Actual Legal Action
Journalists: AsadAli Toor (Uncensored YouTube channel), Ahmed Noorani (FactFocus digital platform), Matiullah Jan (MJ TV), Imran Riaz Khan (IRK), Sabir Shakir, Aftab Iqbal (Khabaryar),Abdul Qadir (AQ Speaks),Uzair Anwar (UA Channel), Umair Rafique (UR TV), Habib Akram (HA Official)
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On June 24, 2025, Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah in Islamabad ordered YouTube to block 27 channels for allegedly publishing “fake, misleading, and defamatory” content targeting state institutions, particularly the military. The order followed a petition by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which alleged the content incited public unrest and distrust in national institutions. The court accepted this as a violation of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. The blocked channels included those affiliated with political groups like PTI as well as prominent journalists.
Threat Developments:
The ban was met with widespread concern among journalists and digital rights advocates. Several journalists, including Matiullah Jan and Asad Ali Toor, challenged the order in court. On July 11, a district and sessions court suspended the ban on their channels, ruling that the initial decision violated Article 10-A of the Constitution (right to fair hearing). Subsequently, the court granted similar relief to five more journalists: Makhdoom Shahabuddin, Orya Maqbool Jan, Abdul Qadir, Uzair Anwar, and Umair Rafique. Journalist Habib Akram was also granted relief on July 14.
The Minister of State for Interior announced possible criminal proceedings, but following the suspension of the magistrate’s order, no further action was taken. The court has instructed NCCIA to submit a detailed report.
Actual Legal Action
Journalists: Abdullah Abid; KP Divisional In-charge, Daily Jadid (Urdu), Bureau Chief, Mardan, Daily Jadid
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On July 29, 2025, the pre-arrest bails of senior journalists Abdullah Abid and Bani Yamin were cancelled by the Additional Sessions Judge in Mardan. Following the hearing, police took both into custody and transferred them to City Police Station. The journalists had recently aired an investigative report exposing alleged electricity theft and misuse of hostel facilities by Mardan Medical Complex (MMC). Their report revealed that MMC hostel buildings had illegal electricity connections from a government line and were being rented out by a doctor for personal profit. Despite official notices issued by WAPDA to stop the illegal use, the hospital administration reportedly failed to act.
Bani Yamin, in a video message from court premises, claimed that WAPDA officials admitted their inability to act due to the hospital officials being “influential and intimidating.” However, the hospital administration denied the allegations and accused the journalists of violating privacy laws by recording a female doctor without consent. A FIR was registered at City Police Station based on these allegations. The journalists were initially granted interim bail, which was revoked in court on July 29. They are to be presented before court again after one day in police custody.
Threat Developments:
Following the cancellation of their interim bail on July 29, 2025, both journalists Abdullah Abid and Bani Yamin, were taken into police custody and transferred to City Police Station. The police stated that they would present the journalists in court the following day. The case has drawn concern from journalist bodies and press freedom advocates, who view the legal action as retaliatory in nature, stemming from the journalists’ investigative reporting on alleged electricity theft and misuse of public property by officials at the Mardan Medical Complex. The developments are being closely monitored by media rights groups amid fears of misuse of legal provisions to silence critical journalism.
Threat of Harm (non-murder related)
Journalist: Ali Azhar Mirza, Reporter for Neo TV
Threat Actor: Political Parties
Incident Summary:
On July 18, 2025, journalist Ali Azhar Mirza filed a formal complaint at the local police station in Mustafa Town, Lahore, alleging serious and ongoing threats, harassment, and defamation by associates of a sitting MNA, Saif-ul-Malook. Mirza reported that he was being pressured by local political workers to comply with certain demands. Upon refusal, he became the target of verbal abuse, false accusations, and defamation within his neighborhood. He described being socially isolated, confined to his home, and fearful for his family’s safety.
Mirza, who has been working in journalism and social welfare for over a decade, stated that the harassment had affected his personal wellbeing and livelihood. He appealed for legal protection, requesting the registration of an FIR under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Threat Developments:
The complaint was forwarded to the investigation wing, and senior police officers were informed. Subsequently, the matter was amicably resolved between the involved parties, and no further legal action was pursued.
Threat of Harm (Non-Murder Related)
Journalist: Azmat Farooq Buzdar ; Correspondent, Jorohi TV
Threat Actor: Non State Actor
Incident Summary:
On April 25, 2025, Azmat Farooq Buzdar, correspondent for Jorohi TV in Taunsa Sharif[IK1] ,district Taunsa Province Punjab, went to report an incident involving the alleged illegal demolition of a wall and attempted occupation of property belonging to a military camp. Accompanied by fellow journalist Atta Buzdar, Azmat was confronted by the accused persons on site. They reportedly threatened him, attempted to snatch his mobile phone and valuables, physically assaulted him, and took cash from him. The situation de-escalated only after the intervention of the Secretary of the Taunsa Sharif Press Club and other individuals.
Threat Developments:
Despite the immediate incident being halted, Azmat Buzdar continued to face serious threats from the same individuals. Fearing for his safety, he lodged an FIR at Taunsa Sharif Police Station on July 4, 2025. However, no arrests have been made to date. The continuing threats have raised concerns about the safety of journalists covering land disputes or sensitive public interest matters in the area.
Threat of Harm (Non-Murder Related)
Journalist: Mehmood Khan – Senior Reporter, Asian Gateway News (AGN)
Threat Actor: Non State Actor
Incident Summary:
On July 4, 2025, Mehmood Khan, a senior reporter with web-based YouTube channel Asian Gateway News (AGN), visited the Sawan Garden Society office in Islamabad along with fellow journalist Ashfaq Tanoli. The visit was intended to seek a statement from the society regarding the administrative handover of the society to the Assistant Commissioner Rural, as directed by the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad under Society Act 48.
During the visit, a man named Mansoor, identifying himself as the society’s accountant, allegedly locked both journalists inside the office. Mehmood Khan reported that Mansoor verbally abused them and issued death threats, including graphic threats of dismemberment. He also reportedly threatened Khan’s Bureau Chief, Yasir Shehzad, over the phone. The journalists were released only after intervention by two or three unidentified individuals.
Threat Developments:
A First Information Report (FIR No. 559/25) was registered at Lohi Bher Police Station under Sections 342 (wrongful confinement) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Pakistan Penal Code. However, the matter was later resolved through mutual reconciliation between the parties, and the police closed the case without further legal proceedings.
Digital Threats
Journalist: Salman Yousafzai – Social Media Activist / Vlogger
Threat Actor: Political Parties
Incident Summary:
On July 10, 2025, Salman Yousafzai conducted an interview with Dr. Amjad, a Member of the National Assembly (PTI) from Swat, asking pointed questions regarding local governance, performance, and public grievances. Following the interview’s airing, Salman began receiving threatening messages via WhatsApp from unknown numbers. The situation escalated on July 11 when a group of alleged supporters and family members of Dr. Amjad gathered outside Salman’s office in Mingora, shouting threats and demanding he come outside. Witnesses, including fellow journalist Subhanullah, stated the crowd appeared intent on physical assault.
Threat Developments:
Salman approached the local police to report the digital and physical threats, but authorities refused to register the complaint, citing jurisdictional limits. Salman and his colleagues believe the police are unwilling to act due to the political influence of the MNA. Salman remains physically safe but continues to receive threats via social media and phone.
Digital Threats
Journalist: Mian Muhammad Iqbal – Tehsil Reporter, Daily News, Bahawalpur (Punjab)
Threat Actor: Political Party
Incident Summary:
Mian Muhammad Iqbal, a tehsil-level reporter for Daily News, Bahawalpur, faced a series of threats and violent attacks after publishing investigative reports exposing alleged corruption linked to a local influential political figure. His reporting covered irregularities in local auctions and the political figure’s alleged ties with land mafia elements.
On June 24, 2025, during coverage at Market Committee Chishtian, armed guards affiliated with this political figure attacked and detained him without cause. Although police were informed immediately, they failed to respond or take action.
Later, in a retaliatory move, the same individuals staged a self-organized protest and managed to register a fake FIR against Mian Muhammad Iqbal, allegedly under political pressure. They even fabricated a medical report to support the false allegations.
On July 8, 2025, during an auction he was covering, the same guards again assaulted him, injured him, snatched his two mobile phones, and threatened to kill him. FIR No. 440/25 was registered, but police have so far shown inaction—reportedly due to political influence.
A deeply concerning digital threat has also emerged: the accused allegedly warned that private family photos and videos found on the stolen mobile phones would be altered using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to fabricate obscene content and spread it online unless he withdrew the case.
Threat Developments:
Despite having video evidence clearly showing the guards’ assault, the police have failed to arrest the accused, apparently under pressure from local political actors. Mian Muhammad Iqbal continues to face extreme psychological pressure to withdraw the case and remain silent.
The journalist has publicly appealed for judicial protection, justice, and an impartial investigation, particularly emphasizing the grave risk of digital defamation via AI manipulation.
Journalist unions, including the Rawalpindi Union of Journalists, have strongly condemned the incident, expressing solidarity and demanding urgent action against the perpetrators to protect press freedom and journalist safety.
Disappearance
Journalist: Irshadullah – Reporter, The News International
Threat Actor: Unknown Actor
Incident Summary:
Between the night of July 10 and early hours of July 11, 2025, senior journalist Irshadullah was forcibly taken from his home in Peshawar by individuals suspected to be associated with security agencies. Eyewitnesses reported that a group of men, believed to be government officials, arrived at his residence, knocked on the door, and took him away without presenting any arrest warrant or explanation.
Irshadullah has been an active and experienced reporter in Peshawar for several years, contributing to a prominent English-language daily. Following his abduction, the family received no formal communication regarding his whereabouts or legal status. Efforts by family and journalist unions to locate him have yielded no results.
Threat Developments:
No law enforcement or state security agency has officially acknowledged Irshadullah’s detention. However, some senior journalists affiliated with the Peshawar Press Club have privately confirmed that certain security officials admitted to detaining him, without disclosing the reason. The lack of official confirmation has raised serious concerns about enforced disappearance and the targeting of journalists under opaque legal frameworks.
Arrest (based on case/FIR/formal accusation)
Journalists: Naeem Minhas; Reporter Daily Such, Tariq Ali Virk – President (RIUJ)
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On July 10, 2025, Daily Such reporter Naeem Minhas was allegedly assaulted and wrongfully detained by officers at New Town Police Station, Rawalpindi, while visiting for routine reporting. Station House Officer (SHO) Tayyab Baig reportedly objected to Minhas standing outside the station and smoking. This led to a verbal exchange after which police officers allegedly manhandled Minhas, detained him, and registered a false First Information Report (FIR) against him.
Later, RIUJ President Tariq Ali Virk arrived at the station to inquire about the case and was also arrested on the SHO’s orders. A protest by fellow journalists outside the police station led to Virk’s release after two hours. Minhas was later granted bail after appearing in court the next day.
Threat Developments:
The incident drew strong condemnation from journalist bodies including the RIUJ and PFUJ, which demanded legal action against the responsible officers. A protest rally was held at the Rawalpindi Press Club, where journalists formed a committee to engage with the Inspector General of Police. Although the IG promised action, the accused SHO Tayyab Baig remains in service and has not been suspended. Journalist unions have warned of nationwide protests if accountability is not ensured.
Assault Without Injury
Journalist: Hussain Ahmed – Photographer, Daily Badalta Zamana-Multan
Threat Actor: Non State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 2 July 2025,photographer Hussain Ahmed of Daily Badalta Zamana was assaulted while covering the distribution of Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) relief money to women at a private retailer’s outlet in Chowk Pathanistan, Rahim Yar Khan. During the assignment, the shopkeeper and his associates physically attacked him, snatched his mobile phone, office ID card, and other belongings, and issued serious threats. The attack occurred during a public service activity meant to benefit deserving women and was seemingly aimed at preventing media coverage of possible irregularities.
Threat Developments:
Following a written complaint by Hussain Ahmed, City C Division Police launched an operation and arrested two of the main accused – Ali Haider and Shah Murad – while raids are ongoing to apprehend the remaining culprits. The Rahim Yar Khan Press Club condemned the incident strongly, calling it an attack on press freedom and affirming that any mistreatment of journalists would not be tolerated. The police response was swift, with immediate action taken against the identified suspects, reinforcing journalist protections in the area.
Assault Without Injury
Journalist: Abid Nonari –Daily Safeer Punjab
Threat Actor: Non-State Actor
Incident Summary:
On July 6, 2025, journalist Abid Nonari was subjected to violence by some individuals in the area of Chirag Shah, within the jurisdiction of Talamba Police Station, Mian Channutehsil, Khanewal district, Punjab. The incident occurred after he recorded and uploaded a video on social media showing a confrontation regarding a road closure set up during Muharram processions. The video angered the involved individuals, who then physically assaulted him. Abid stated that he was present for routine media coverage and the altercation began when he was stopped from filming the scene.
Threat Developments:
Following the incident, DSP Khanewal intervened and initiated an on-site investigation. Based on Abid Nonari’s complaint, a case was registered, and one of the accused was arrested. The incident drew condemnation from journalist unions, with Mubashir Khan Machhar, spokesperson of the National Press Club, highlighting the growing challenges faced by local journalists due to pressure and threats from influential individuals in the area.
Assault without injury
Journalist: Khawaja Uzair Ahmed, Star Asia News Channel
Threat Actors: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On July 23, 2025, Khawaja Uzair Ahmed, a journalist for Star Asia News, was harassed and manhandled by staff at the NADRA office in Shujaabad town, District Multan, Punjab. while covering public complaints. The office in-charge Badar Munir and his team verbally abused the journalist and forcefully pulled his mobile phone to stop the coverage.
According to eyewitnesses and other journalists, the NADRA officials were extremely rude and aggressive during the incident. Journalists from Shujaabad, including Khawaja Ahmed Muawiya (City Reporter, Daily Aftab and Additional General Secretary, Pakistan Press Club Shujaabad), condemned the incident and demanded immediate government action.
Threat Developments:
The incident triggered strong condemnation from local journalist bodies in Shujaabad. Khawaja Ahmed Muawiya, City Reporter for Daily Aftab and Additional General Secretary of the Pakistan Press Club Shujaabad, publicly denounced the misbehavior of the NADRA office staff and called for government action. Local journalists united in demanding accountability and disciplinary proceedings against the NADRA in-charge Badar Munir and his team. However, as of now, there have been no official updates regarding any departmental inquiry or punitive action against the officials involved.
Kidnapping
Journalist: Ahmad Khosa, Correspondent, Daily Aalan Sehar,
Threat Actor: Unknown Actor
Incident Summary:
Ahmad Khosa, a correspondent for the daily newspaper Aalan Sehar in Dera Ghazi Khan district in Punjab province, reported that he was abducted from outside his residence by unidentified individuals. He was taken to an undisclosed camp in teh district, where he was subjected to physical torture involving a firearm. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the identity of the assailants is yet to be confirmed.
Threat Developments:
A First Information Report (FIR) was registered based on Ahmad Khosa’s complaint. As of now, no arrests have been made, and there has been no confirmation regarding the identities of the abductors. The journalist community in the region has expressed serious concern and urged authorities to ensure justice and protection for Khosa and other media professionals in the area.
Threats, Attacks, and Harassment against Various Types of Media:
Nine print media journalists, three television journalists, and two digital media journalists received threats during July 2025.
Threat Actor:
State authorities were believed to be involved in five cases, non-state actors in four cases, political party affiliates in three cases, while in two case the threat actors remained unknown.